Synthetic Chemist Research Technician (Chemistry & Energetics)

This position will require 100% attendance on-site due to the nature of this role.

Job Summary

Synthetic Chemist Research Technician (Chemistry & Energetics) – Exciting Opportunity! Are you passionate about chemistry and excited by the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of energetic materials research? Do you thrive in a fast-paced research environment?

Dstl is seeking a Synthetic Chemist Research Technician to join our dynamic team, working at the forefront of Chemistry and Energetics.

In This Role

• You will work collaboratively to achieve set objectives while managing the housekeeping of our Synthetic Chemistry laboratories.
• Your role will involve maintaining and operating a range of scientific and analytical equipment, keeping stock levels in check through regular audits, and ensuring chemical inventories are accurately tracked via a database.
• Additionally, you will facilitate the safe and timely disposal of laboratory and general waste.

You Will Have Experience In

• Operating within a chemistry laboratory and working to health and safety processes.
• A strong appreciation of the importance of health and safety.
• An ambitious, hard-working demeanour and willingness to work with others across different fields.

If you're ready to be a key part of an innovative laboratory environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Dstl will provide you full training on Dstl practices, processes and ways of working to enable you to confidently fulfil the post. You will also have the opportunity to work in unique environments, with friendly scientists who are delivering work for the benefit of wider UK defence and security.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

In This Role You Will

• Work to the highest health and safety standards, meeting all relevant regulatory and quality standards.
• Work effectively as a member of a team, meeting set objectives.
• Carry out general housekeeping of the various laboratories occupied by Synthetic Chemistry.
• Use and maintain a variety of general laboratory scientific and analytical equipment.
• Ensure chemicals and consumables stock levels are maintained through regular audits and replenishing stock.
• Maintain chemical inventories tracking and updating the information using a database.
• Facilitate disposal of laboratory and general waste, ensuring safe and timely disposal.

Person specification

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:

• Experience in operating within a chemistry laboratory and working to health and safety processes.
• A strong appreciation of the importance of health and safety.
• An ambitious, hard-working demeanour and willingness to work with others across different fields.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• A willingness to get involved in hands-on work, maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
• Experience of working to a high standard and has pride in their work.
• An ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team.
• A desire to learn on the job and further develop their personal and professional skills.

Dstl will provide you full training on Dstl practices, processes and ways of working to enable you to confidently fulfil the post. You will also have the opportunity to work in unique environments, with friendly scientists who are delivering work for the benefit of wider UK defence and security.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Alongside your salary of £23,892, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £6,921 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution.
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours.
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay.
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. Sifting will take place week commencing the w/c 16th June 2025 with interviews to be arranged from the 30th June 2025.

At the application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV. Interview will be assessing your skills, experience and the 4 behaviours.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only. This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact Name: Dstl Recruitment Team Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk