Dstl (the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) delivers high-impact Science and Technology for the UK's defence, security and prosperity. In order to do this, we need people who can use their skills to innovate and develop technologies which ensure we are at the forefront of science. We work in niche areas which are sensitive in nature, operationally-critical to the UK and Internationally recognised in importance. Our work therefore has to be done within government.

We are looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic individuals to work within our growing Chemical Biological (CB) Analysis and Attribution capability. This is an exciting area where you will be part of a highly skilled team of scientific specialists. The work undertaken in this area ranges from research, exercising in the form of competency and proficiency testing through to real world operational sample analysis and attribution. The capability has impact at the highest levels of government and through this opportunity you could become part of the team.

We need an experienced analytical chemist with a strong track record in Quality Assurance to help advance the accreditation of the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and to build verification plans for re-location of the capability into a new Chemistry Building. You will develop validation plans and ensure that measurement of uncertainty and decision rules are delivered for all methods accredited to ISO 17025 and the Forensic Science Regulators Codes.

Job description

In this role you will:
• Work with the existing technical team to develop and implement validation and verification plans for movement of processes to a new location, in accordance with ISO 17025:2017 and the Forensic Science Regulators Codes of Practice and Conduct
• Develop robust validation plans for new scientific procedures including measurement of uncertainty for accreditation under ISO17025 and Forensic Science Regulator Codes
• Ensure that Analytical Chemistry conforms to the Information Security requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator
• Support the Quality Manager in ensuring that the Quality System is complied with in Analytical Chemistry
• Ensure that staff are suitably qualified and experienced to undertake research and analysis
• Ensure equipment and reagents used throughout the laboratory conform to the requirements of the Quality system
• Work with the Quality team to prepare for the annual UKAS surveillance visits and will take the lead in addressing and closing the Chemistry Technical Assessors findings
• Address audit findings, take ownership for and implement corrective actions and investigate any non-conforming test work
• Work with the Analytical Chemistry Technical Leads, authorising test reports and equipment purchases

Job Dimensions
You will work with research scientists across two analytical chemistry teams. You will interact with technical managers in other disciplines within the capability and with the Quality Team. You will represent Analytical Chemistry during the external assessment visits conducted by UKAS.

The teams are made up of 30 scientists primarily with a chemistry background. The team is part of a larger group consisting of scientists with mixed backgrounds.
 

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who has:
• A good understanding of working within a quality system (i.e. under ISO17025)
• An understanding of the technical requirements of ISO17025
• An appreciation of the Forensic Science Regulators Codes of Practice and Conduct
• Evidence of being a skilled presenter (i.e. oral, written form) and communicator who can explain the requirements of Quality Assurance in an understandable way
• An appreciation of Information Security and data handling

Qualifications
Essential
• BSc (or equivalent level of experience) in Chemistry
Desirable
• Auditor training
• UKAS Laboratory Management training
Skills
Essential
• Leading and influencing a team
• Problem solving
• Effective time management
• Proficient in the use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)
Desirable
• Auditing processes and procedures
• Risk Management training
• Capable of Statistical Analysis
• Broad range of computer skills
Experience
Essential
• A background in Analytical Chemistry methods (such as GC, LC and NMR)
• Experience working in an ISO17025 quality system
• Familiarity with Measurement of Uncertainty in analytical methods
Desirable
• Broader understanding of Information Security and data handling
• Development of method validation plans and reports
• Working with reference chemicals
• Familiarity with Forensic Scientific Regulator (FSR) codes of practice and conduct
• Experience with computer systems (hardware / software)

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

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that 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 across the enterprise. We work closely with the Defence and Security Industry on many projects, so it would be great to work with you via one of our partners

Behaviours

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

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

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Tell us about your experience validating new methods and how you approached this?
• Tell us what analytical chemistry achievement you are most proud of and what your role was in the outcome?
• Tell us why you are applying for the role and what you can bring to it in terms of knowledge and experience?

Benefits

We'll provide a great range of benefits including;
• Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
• Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 20 hours can be taken in any calendar month
• Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
• Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
• Chartership and accreditation support.
• Pension.
• Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
• A competitive salary.
• Onsite gyms and restaurants.
• Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.


Our Diversity Networks

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. We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.

These include the following;
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page 

Things you need to know Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

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.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.

The Sift will be completed by 4th November and will assess your answers to the Technical Skills questions and how your CV matches the requirements for the role as detailed in the attached job description.

Interviews will be held on 14th November and will consist of a combined technical and behavioural interview assessing your skills and experience in relation to the job description.

Due to the current situation interviews are likely to be held via video link and full details will be sent to you should you be invited to an interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

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, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

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.