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We are looking for scientists to join our Toxicology training programme who have strong life science background and an interest in Toxicology.

Our training scheme will provide you with the framework, mentoring and support to develop you into a Toxicologist. The blended learning approach we offer includes, funded postgraduate training modules, professional development, mentoring and on the job, practical, laboratory experience to help you build skills, competency and knowledge.

We will train and develop you across all of our areas of research interest using in vivo, in vitro and in silico techniques.

The research outcomes and advice that you deliver will help to inform a range of strategic and policy decisions across MoD and wider government.

You will have the opportunity to work at the cutting edge, working in an interdisciplinary team where you will learn how toxicology supports the progression of our rich and diverse project portfolio.

You will develop experience as a research scientist in toxicology as well as communication and interpersonal skills to convey complex data to internal and external stakeholders across defence and government.

There will be opportunity for overseas travel to scientific conferences and meetings. There is also opportunity for further postgraduate study.

You will work on a variety of interesting and challenging problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere - we offer hands on scientific work like no other!

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.

Please see the attached brochure and role profile for additional information.

You will join our toxicologist training programme to develop and demonstrate competence across activities.

We are involved in a wide range of projects across Defence and wider government to whom we provide toxicological advice and expertise. This includes answering high impact questions at pace as well as undertaking desk and laboratory based research projects. International collaboration is a key to our work, we have close links with equivalent Defence and Security organisations in other nations.

Your responsibilities will include the planning, coordination, scheduling and reporting of in silico/in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo studies in support of our research, including the assessment of novel chemicals and the development of antidotes against those agents. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from experts in toxicology, gaining practical skills and laboratory techniques to support many of our studies.

You may find yourself supporting candidate drugs through the pharmaceutical advanced development process, investigating the mechanism of action of different drugs or chemicals or supporting the delivery of key toxicological advice to our stakeholder community. No two days as a Dstl toxicologist are the same!

In this role you will:

• Work on a variety of interesting and challenging Toxicology problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere
• Provide a technical and scientific contribution to applied research projects, many of which involve the use of in vitro, ex vivo, in silico and in vivo models.
• Work towards gaining an in-depth understanding of human toxicity estimates or health-based guidance values and the risk assessment paradigm.
• Develop your critical thinking to assess the available toxicological data on chemicals, to provide authoritative advice on their health effects and communicate this advice in a manner appropriate to the audience receiving the information
• Develop your career in exciting new areas requiring practical expertise and experience, to meet cutting-edge challenges. Undertake training to become competent in a number of complex skills enabling you to deliver work independently and as part of the wider team.
• Apply logical thinking and problem solving to support the design, plan, schedule and conduct of experimental studies to meet our customers’ needs.
• Work safely in accordance with Dstl policies and procedures. Learn and apply processes and procedures required for working with highly hazardous substances.
• Work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate creativity and innovation and be prepared to translate your ideas into project plans.

You will need:

• A relevant life science degree eg Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry.
• Experience of working within a laboratory environment
• Hands on experience or theoretical knowledge of common experimental Toxicology techniques.
• Experience as a Home Office Personal Licensee working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986) or a willingness and ability to undertake modular training in multiple species in order to become a Personal Licensee
• A willingness to learn and a commitment to undertake continuing professional development throughout their career
• A proven track record of working collaboratively within teams.
• The ability to organise, plan and implement projects to deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Programming experience in Python, R or other relevant languages

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. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

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

• Please detail your knowledge and experiences of in vitro, in vivo and in silico experimental techniques

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Job contact :

Name :
Dstl Recruitment Team
Email :
[email protected]

Recruitment team

Email :
[email protected]