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- Tasks: Join our Analytical Chemistry team to support critical UK defence projects and conduct hands-on research.
- Company: Dstl is a leading organisation in defence science, dedicated to national security and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK defence while gaining valuable lab experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A passion for analytical chemistry and a detail-oriented mindset are essential for this role.
- Other info: This position requires UK nationality and security clearance; only UK nationals can apply.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Trainee Analytical Chemist role at Dstl
Join to apply for the Trainee Analytical Chemist role at Dstl
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Dstl Porton Down , Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ
You will be expected to attend site at least 80% of your time.
Travel to other Dstl sites and some travel to various MOD, Government and partner / supplier locations is likely to be required.
Job Summary
Are you passionate about science and eager to apply your skills to critical UK defence and security projects? The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is looking for self-motivated individuals to join our Analytical Chemistry team, where you\’ll play a key role in high-impact research and development.
This hands-on opportunity will allow you to learn on the job, gaining valuable experience in cutting-edge laboratory techniques that support defence and security capabilities. Working within our ISO/IEC 17025 quality system, you\’ll receive specialist training to work safely and securely while contributing to essential national and international programmes.
What You\’ll Do
- Work in a secure and regulated laboratory environment, ensuring safety and compliance
- Support critical chemical analysis for threat assessment and physical protection programmes
- Maintain laboratory accreditation standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 compliance
- Conduct stock audits, manage consumables, and oversee safe chemical disposal
- Assist with instrument maintenance, sample preparation, and analysis
- Develop expertise in working with specialist chemicals and solvents
- Receive ongoing professional development, including external and in-house training
What We’re Looking For
- A keen interest in analytical chemistry and laboratory research
- A methodical and detail-oriented approach to scientific work
- A commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance
- Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to a high-performing team
Join us at Dstl and help shape the future of UK defence and security science. Apply now and start your journey towards impactful, innovative research!
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.
Job Description
In this role you will:
- Work safely and securely in our laboratories, adhering to H&S regulations and good lab practice.
- Understand the importance of working within a quality system (ISO/IEC17025:2017) ensuring clear audit trails are maintained.
- Ensure specific activities related to ISO/IEC17025 accreditation and regulatory compliance are completed as scheduled e.g. recording fridge temperatures and balance calibrations and ensuring information is recorded accurately.
- Adhering to process and procedure, identifying and communicating anomalies to the Technical Managers.
Please see full job description attached in the candidate pack at the bottom of this page.
In This Role You Will
- Work safely and securely in our laboratories, adhering to H&S regulations and good lab practice.
- Understand the importance of working within a quality system (ISO/IEC17025:2017) ensuring clear audit trails are maintained.
- Ensure specific activities related to ISO/IEC17025 accreditation and regulatory compliance are completed as scheduled e.g. recording fridge temperatures and balance calibrations and ensuring information is recorded accurately.
- Adhering to process and procedure, identifying and communicating anomalies to the Technical Managers.
Please see full job description attached in the candidate pack at the bottom of this page.
Person specification
Safety at Dstl
Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work;
Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy,
Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example,
Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports,
Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management,
Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
Implement Dstl\’s policies and ensure compliance with the Management System
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.
Individuals within DSTL who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.
Behaviours
We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
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. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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 (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
- Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
- Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
- Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
- 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, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
- Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
- Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
At the application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV. Interview will be assessing your skills, experience and the behaviours stated above.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
Sifting will take place week on a rolling basis. This will commence from the 30th June 2025, continuing until the 13th July. Interviews to be arranged w/c 21st, 28th & 4th August 2025. Interview will include a tour and will last approx 1.5 hours
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
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 (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
- Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Further information
Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Internship
Employment type
-
Employment type
Part-time
Job function
-
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing
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Trainee Analytical Chemist employer: Dstl
Contact Detail:
Dstl Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Analytical Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, as this role requires adherence to quality systems. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your enthusiasm for analytical chemistry by discussing any relevant projects or experiences during your interview. This could include coursework, internships, or personal projects that highlight your hands-on skills and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you handle safety and compliance in a laboratory setting. Be ready to provide examples of how you've followed protocols or dealt with challenges related to health and safety in previous roles or studies.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field of analytical chemistry. Attend relevant workshops or seminars, and connect with current or former Dstl employees on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Analytical Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in analytical chemistry and laboratory work. Emphasise any hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, compliance with safety regulations, and quality assurance practices.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: In your personal statement, express your passion for science and analytical chemistry. Discuss your methodical approach to scientific work and your commitment to quality assurance, as these are key traits the company is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline skills that align with the job description, such as attention to detail, ability to work within a quality system (ISO/IEC 17025), and experience with chemical analysis. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Show Your Passion for Science
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for analytical chemistry and how it relates to defence and security. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in the field.
✨Understand ISO/IEC 17025 Standards
Familiarise yourself with the ISO/IEC 17025 quality system, as this is crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain clear audit trails in a laboratory setting.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight your methodical approach to scientific work. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed tasks that require precision, such as conducting stock audits or ensuring safe chemical disposal.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to work in a team and manage quality services. Think of specific instances where you've demonstrated teamwork, effective communication, and a commitment to quality assurance.
