Summary

We are Dstl, we are UNIQUE and we’re recruiting up to 70 Physicists

Are YOU ready to contribute to the Defence and Security of our nation and Armed Forces?

We want to speak to you!

- Do you have an inquisitive mind?
- Do you like to understand how something works?
- Do you want to do something worthwhile with global impact?
- Do you want to save lives?
- Want to work on classified projects?
- Interested in Missiles, Autonomous Vehicles, Space, Stealthy Materials, Lasers, Radar, Hypersonics' or Ballistic Weapons ?
- Shape the technology used in next generation of UK Armed Forces fighter jets, tanks, submarines and ships?

The Reason

With a rapidly changing world and long term shifts in the balance of military power it is vital our Armed Forces continue to remain world-leading and have access to the most cutting edge and capable equipment. The recent Spending Review prioritises the modernisation of our Armed Forces' Weapons and Mission Systems across Sea, Land, Air and Space. This has resulted in a very significant additional investment in Science and Technology which has led to exciting opportunities within Dstl.

Want to REALLY make a difference, now is the time….

Dstl who?

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science, technology and engineering arm of the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
At Dstl, we harness science and technology to protect our nation – bringing together the best people with the best ideas, and applying them in unexpected ways. Because we provide the UK government with specialist science and technology research, advice and analysis, what we do is often sensitive and collaborative. Much of our work is operationally critical and has the potential to save many lives.

Together with other forward-thinking organisations around the country and overseas, we conduct leading weapons and UK military platforms research, and support UK Operations now and into the future. Here, you’ll contribute to providing threat assessments and undertake research and development to support and evolve UK Armed Forces capabilities to protect the UK and its allies. It means applying your skills and knowledge to advance the tools, techniques and tradecraft we use.

If you enjoy working with complex systems, have an appetite for problem solving and a desire to understand how things work, join us in the quest to make the UK a Science and Technology Superpower

Job description

“Support the Physical Fighting Force”

The Platforms Systems Division of Dstl is recruiting up to 70 Physicists to meet the challenges and requirements of the Spending Review. You’ll join a world class team of 1200 staff supporting “The Physical Fighting Force”.

Successful applicants may find themselves contributing to projects such as:

• Missile Design, Behaviour, Performance and Precision: designing test benches in the lab to assess sensors on the latest missiles
• Research and Evaluate the latest countermeasures to ensure Mission Systems such as the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter or the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank returns safely from operations;
• Stealthy Materials and Paint Jobs: Consider novel techniques to hide military platforms and improve their survivability;
• Does it even need a crew or pilot? Autonomous and AI the way to go? Assess the trade-offs between crewed and un-crewed platforms and potentially develop algorithms to allow for autonomous operation;
• How do you make a warship stronger and lighter? Undertake fundamental science to understand the characteristics of novel materials and assess how these can be applied to 21st century military challenges.

Keen to get involved? Sounds like an awesome challenge!

Indeed it is- these aren’t just desk jobs - we offer hands-on work like no other, with capabilities and facilities unique to Dstl. Our Physicists undertake theoretical work, including modelling and simulation and data analysis to support Operational Research. There is also the opportunity to do practical work in our unique labs, in the field, and aboard military vessels, airframes and vehicles, in the UK and internationally.

Our main customers are the Navy, Army and RAF Front Line Commands and Dstl undertakes Science and Technology research to ensure their weapons, vehicles, airframes and boats are advanced and cutting edge. We assess the threats against UK Armed Forces and identify vulnerabilities in our own and enemy systems to aid mission planning and tactics development. Our work has real direct impact, it facilitates the safe return of UK Armed forces from increasingly hostile environments.

Our work is critical; we need your help to help us achieve these goals now and into the future.
 

Responsibilities

So, how do physicists contribute to making our world a safer place?

We have a variety of vacancies (see below) that range from suiting graduates through to experienced scientists and engineers. On the job training will be provided. Working closely with our military customers and industry partners there are many opportunities for travel, trials and for staff placements into industry and other MoD organisations.

Most of all, we recognise the unique skills and aspirations of our staff and are able to present them with an unparalleled range of opportunities to develop both the UK’s military capabilities and themselves.

You have me intrigued! How can I apply? Follow the links in this advert and tell us all about you! Once you’re on the ‘inside’ we can tell you so much more….

We are recruiting Physicists with experience or an interest in developing knowledge in the following subject areas:

• Laser & Electro-Optics
• Radio Frequency and Radar
• Hydrodynamics
• Aerodynamics
• Acoustics/ Sonar
• Magnetics
• Materials Science
• Power and Energy
• Analysis
• Graduate Level entry*

*Non specialist: If you have a STEM degree, an interest or experience in Defence, Science and Technology and you can't see what interests you above, please apply and we can try and match you to the best opportunity.

Important Information

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.

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:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• Please state what area of physics you are interested in?
• Why are you interested in working with Dstl and what would you bring to the area/positions/roles you are interested in?
• Provide an example of a technical challenge you have overcome and how you approached solving it.

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
- Training to enhance your learning. Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
- Coaching and Mentoring from World Renown Experts in their field of Science and Engineering
- Choose your Career Path and earn promotion in role
- Develop and access novel and unique complex technology seen in no other industry
- Deliver reports and present to Military, Academia and Industry
- Opportunity for international travel
- 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.
- Civil Service 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.

The Journey
Our people are at the very heart of our work and we’re proud to offer an open and inclusive environment to everyone.

We value your differences (alternative perspectives often provide the most innovative approaches to our work) and we’ll nurture your talent to achieve your full potential. We know you’re unique and that you can only be your best if you’re totally comfortable in the workplace so we have a variety of employee support networks to make sure you have the support you need if it’s required. (see the list of our networks below).

Don’t worry about falling in at the deep end; we’ll provide all the training and development to get your career started and support your ongoing professional development throughout your career. We’ll also offer to pay membership fees for a relevant professional institution and support you to achieve Chartership through our Chartership and Accreditation Scheme.

We have a vibrant young professionals community to get you used to the Lab’s working environment (and show you the best local pubs if you’re interested!).
We recognise that it’s important to keep a healthy balance between work and home life. The Lab offers a fully flexible work pattern and a generous annual leave entitlement; you can even buy more leave if you’re planning some extra special travel.

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.

See our vetting charter.

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.

Application will consist of a CV and Personal Statement asking you to Indicate which area of physics you are interested in and detail some of your experiences of working in this area. You will also be asked to answer some questions about your skills and interests.

Sifts are taking place while vacancy is live and will be followed by a telephone conversation about your skill set and aspirations.
interviews are starting from 14 July and ongoing (remote via video, possible 2nd interview in person).