Deployable Project Scientist

We’re looking for two exceptional Deployable Project Scientists to help us make a difference to our planet. The Met Office’s Deployable Project Scientists team is recruiting a new cohort of exceptional scientists who want to make a real difference to our planet. As part of this team, you will undertake a series of short‑term placements across a variety of host teams, applying your scientific expertise to diverse challenges and gaining exposure to many areas of our organisation.

This is a voluntary, non‑contractual arrangement and the location advertised will be your contractual place of work. Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a job share.

Our people are at the heart of what we do and we’ll do our best to create a working pattern that works for everyone.

The Deployable Project Scientists team offers a unique route into the Met Office. You’ll join colleagues who strive every day to be a force for good, and you’ll work in a high‑achieving, collaborative environment where your growth is supported and encouraged. We are looking to appoint up to five scientists who show strong potential to thrive in this setting.

As part of the Deployable Project Scientists cohort, you will work on a portfolio of projects spanning a broad range of scientific domains and applications, ranging from weather and climate science to international capacity building, defence, underpinning research and user‑focused applications. This model provides a rare opportunity to explore different scientific areas, learn new analytical and coding techniques, and build a wide professional network.

Although these are permanent positions, team members typically “graduate” into other roles across the Met Office after around two years, choosing a position that aligns with their preferred specialism. This makes the role perfect for people who are enthused by the breadth of Met Office science and want to avoid specialising too quickly. You will receive tailored support and training based on your experience and the needs of the projects you undertake.

Starting as part of a cohort also means you will immediately have a peer network for support, collaboration and shared development, both during your placement period and long after.

The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their ‘Best Workplaces in Tech’ 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists, as well as their ‘54 Best Workplaces for Women’ 2023 list.

As our Deployable Project Scientist (HEO), your total reward package will be up to £49,448 annually, which includes:

• An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years and option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave

Essential Criteria, skills and experience

1. You will demonstrate substantial independent experience and recognised expertise in a relevant scientific or technical discipline. This may include (but is not limited to) physical, technical, mathematical, statistical, environmental, or behavioural sciences. Your expertise may have been developed through: A relevant degree (2:1 or above) with subsequent related professional or research experience.
2. You will be an independent, accomplished problem‑solver with extensive experience applying critical reasoning and analytical skills to address scientific or technical challenges relevant to the Met Office. You should provide clear evidence of this, including citations of any peer‑reviewed publications or equivalent outputs that demonstrate your contribution and impact.
3. You take ownership of your professional development, demonstrating the ability to reflect on your performance, identify training needs, and plan your time effectively. You can learn and apply new methods or concepts to meet project objectives.
4. You can demonstrate experience as a collaborative and supportive team member, contributing to shared goals by challenging constructively, supporting colleagues, and building productive relationships with senior scientific and technical stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
5. You are an inclusive, persuasive and impactful communicator, with significant experience adapting complex information for diverse audiences. You can convey scientific or technical messages clearly and concisely using a broad range of communication formats and channels.
6. You possess advanced expertise in at least one programming language or advanced analytical method, with proven experience handling, cleaning and analysing large datasets to generate meaningful insights and deliver impactful results. You also either have practical experience applying Machine Learning techniques to solve problems or can demonstrate a clear commitment and interest in developing expertise in this area.

How to apply: If you share our values, we’d love to hear from you! Click apply to begin your application. Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend candidates use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning) for presenting evidence of experience and skills.

Closing date 21/01/2026 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 02/02/2026. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.

Using AI in your application: We welcome applications that use AI tools for support in drafting or refining, as long as they accurately reflect your own skills and experience. All hiring decisions at the Met Office are made by people, not AI.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us. If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us.

Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario‑based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role.

We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.

We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK. We require Security clearance, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible, 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application. You will need to achieve full security clearance within your first 6 months with us.