Sustaining Scientist in Hemel Hempstead

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

We are looking for a Sustaining Scientist to join our Portfolio Team, supporting and enhancing market-leading chemical, explosives and narcotics detection systems used across aviation, critical infrastructure, border security and other regulated environments. This role is ideal for a hands-on scientist who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, designing experiments, analysing data and working with advanced analytical instrumentation. You will play a key role in supporting products throughout their lifecycle, ensuring they continue to meet customer, regulatory and operational requirements.

What You'll Be Doing

• Designing and executing scientific experiments to investigate product performance and solve technical challenges
• Analysing complex datasets and translating findings into practical recommendations
• Supporting the introduction of new capabilities, chemicals and detection requirements into existing products
• Contributing to algorithm development and performance optimisation activities
• Providing scientific expertise to Product Managers, engineers, customers and regulators
• Producing clear technical reports, presentations and documentation
• Investigating product issues and identifying root causes through structured experimentation
• Supporting scientific aspects of products and consumables throughout their lifecycle
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across product management, engineering and science functions
• Occasionally supporting external testing, trials and industry events

What We're Looking For

• Experience planning and conducting experimental investigations
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment
• The ability to design experiments from a high-level problem statement
• Excellent technical report writing and presentation skills
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
• A proactive and inquisitive approach to problem solving
• The confidence to challenge assumptions, identify gaps and propose solutions

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
• Mass Spectrometry
• Spectroscopy or other advanced analytical techniques
• Instrument development, modification, troubleshooting or optimisation
• Analytical chemistry research and development environments
• Experimental design methodologies
• Computational data analysis and modelling

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be someone who can take a broad technical challenge, determine the right scientific approach, design and execute experiments, interpret the results and clearly communicate recommendations. We're looking for a scientist who can think critically, work independently and provide insight that shapes products used around the world.

Please note: Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) as part of the role.

Qualifications

A PhD in Chemistry, Physics or a related scientific discipline (preferred)

Desirable

A Master's degree plus relevant industrial experience as a laboratory-based scientist

Additional Information

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.