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About the job
Job summary
We are the science inside UK Defence and Security.
Since Dstl was formed in 2001, our talented scientists and technologists have built an enviable reputation for innovating world class science and technology. We are able to deploy our inside knowledge and understanding of government to interpret and connect requirements and stakeholders. We bring together lots of different people and a huge range of disciplines in science and technology. We have lots of variety in our projects, roles and opportunities, making every day a day to explore and get excited.
The Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division (CBR) of Dstl provides an integrated Chemistry, Biology, Radiation, Human & Medical Sciences capability, delivering long term research, short term advice and consultancy, and an emergency response capability in support of UK Defence and Security
As part of the Outdoor Modelling Team you will provide Chemical and Biological hazard assessment advice on the potential impact of a release of toxic material into the atmosphere through the use of mathematical models. The team’s expertise supports operations and emergency response as well as informing existing and future government policy.
The work we do is at the forefront of defence and security research, which is a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment. Quite simply we believe this is work you cannot do anywhere else.
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 particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.
Job description
- Provide support to projects within the team by using logical thinking and problem solving skills to solve difficult technical problems and presenting these to technical leaders in the most appropriate format (discussions, spreadsheets, databases, reports, email).
- Deliver operational analysis at pace utilising modelling and experts to ensure robust evidence
- Exercise good judgement to reach evidence based conclusions and decisions supported by analysis.
- Provide a scientific contribution to customer deliverables in the form of reports and presentations.
- Support the objectives of the team by contributing to capability building and wider activities across Dstl.
- Provide senior technical leaders with support in maintaining, developing and using the group’s models, recommending improvements to models and processes where appropriate
- Build up expert knowledge in a number of technical areas and network both within your capability area and across capability boundaries.
- Communicate complex mathematical modelling ideas to various audiences.
Person specification
We are looking for someone who :
- Is driven, motivated and enthused
- Thrives in a fast paced delivery environment
- Has the ability to take responsibility for their own work and plan their work to meet project timeframes.
- Has the desire to apply their technical understanding to solve problems which are unfamiliar to them.
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Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
Qualifications
Essential
A degree qualification in a relevant degree (i.e. quantitative science, technology, engineering or mathematics subject) or equivalent experience.
Evidence of Professional development
Skills
Essential
- A strong attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A dedication to learning new skills and working within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Agility to respond to changing demands.
- Aptitude for building relationships.
- Using knowledge, experiences and networks to solve complex problems.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of mathematical modelling
- Experience of using programming languages such as R, Python and MATLAB
- Experience of working in a team and working independently, as you will be required to undertake analysis independently and still work effectively in a scientific team
- Experience in using Microsoft Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) for data analysis, technical reports and presentations
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.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Developing Self and Others
- Working Together
- Seeing the Big Picture
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Please explain why you are interested in working with Dstl and what you would bring to this particular role, focusing on your skills and experience relevant in mathematical modelling.
- Please detail your knowledge and experience of using programing languages to develop and explore outputs of mathematical modelling
Benefits
- 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 3 days 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
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
- Race, 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
Selection process details
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 [email protected] and we will do all we can to support you.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team