Assistant Scientist

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a full-time Assistant Scientist located in Plymouth. The role involves conducting chemical analyses onboard naval vessels and ensuring laboratory compliance with quality standards. Candidates should possess a Level 3 qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline and have some experience in relevant technical fields. Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Professional fees payment

'Be Kind Day' volunteering leave

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in engineering, chemistry, or related technical fields is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and convey technical information clearly.
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including regular work onboard vessels.

Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical analysis and testing onboard Royal Navy warships and submarines.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
• Sample compressed air systems to support operational safety.

Skills

Engineering experience

Chemistry knowledge

Data entry proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Initiative in task prioritization

Education

Level 3 qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Scientist

Location: Plymouth, Devon

Compensation: £38,084 + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF66656

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as an Assistant Scientist at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As an Assistant Scientist, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. Join the Chemistry Department at Devonport Royal Dockyard, delivering essential scientific services that ensure safety, compliance, and operational readiness across all naval departments and vessels.

Day to day you’ll be conducting chemical analysis and testing onboard Royal Navy warships and submarines and also allow us to maintain the high standards required in a UKAS accredited laboratory by:

• Ensure laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, maintaining quality and technical standards
• Sample compressed air systems (low/high pressure) to support operational safety
• Perform FTIR analysis of breathing air to meet BS EN 12021 health and safety specifications
• Conducting asbestos analysis with P401 and P403 qualifications for accurate detection.

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Occasional weekend work may be required to meet project demands or support critical milestones.

Essential experience of the Assistant Scientist

• Experience in engineering, chemistry, or related technical fields is highly desirable
• Proficient with standard software for data entry, reporting, and communication
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and convey technical information clearly
• Demonstrates initiative and can efficiently prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including regular work onboard vessels for maintenance duties’

Qualifications for the Assistant Scientist

• Level 3 qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline essential
• Full UK Driving Licence required
• All training, including relevant asbestos qualifications will be provided
• There will be opportunity for the candidate to be sponsored through relevant further education to enable progression towards a Scientist grade role.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 26/08/2025

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