Computational Analytical Chemist

Dstl; England; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

At Dstl, you will play a crucial role in analytical chemistry, contributing to national security through rigorous data analysis and interpretation. Bring your expertise in computational methods to evaluate chemical data and work with leading experts in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme with 26% employer contribution

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Onsite parking and facilities

Qualifications

• Experience with GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Proven ability in data workflow design and implementation.
• Demonstrable programming skills in MATLAB, R, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Analyze experimental data using chemometric methods.
• Design and implement custom data workflows.
• Develop statistical models and make chemical hypotheses.

Skills

Computer literacy

Chemometric analysis

Statistical analysis

Data handling

Communication skills

Education

BSc degree in chemistry

Tools

MATLAB

R

Python

PLS_Toolbox

ChromCompare+

MassProfilerPro

Job description

Dstl Porton Down , Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ

You will be expected to attend site at least 80% of your time .

Travel to other Dstl sites and some travel to various MOD, Government and partner / supplier locations is likely to be required.

Job Summary

Shape the Future of Analytical Chemistry with Dstl!

Are you ready to make a real impact on national security and forensic science? At the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), we lead the way in analytical chemistry for chemical warfare agents, ensuring rigorous identification, quantification, and attribution at the highest levels.

Our Analytical Chemistry Capability is the UK’s centre of excellence for identification, quantification and attribution of chemical warfare agents in environmental and clinical samples. Rigorous quality assurance is at the heart of this capability, which provides evidence to inform decision making at the highest levels of government and in courts of law.

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about providing the maximum benefit from chemometric and computational chemistry methods in the evaluation of chemical data. The successful candidate will use these computational methods in conjunction with experimental data to test chemical hypotheses as well as to identify trends and relationships between samples. This role will require a high level of computer literacy, including knowledge of various computational chemistry and chemometric tools as well as the ability to design and implement custom data workflows for data processing and evaluation.

If you thrive in a high-stakes environment and want to work alongside industry-leading experts on mission-critical projects, join us today! Your skills and dedication will help safeguard the nation.

Take the next step—apply now and be part of something extraordinary!

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.

Job Description

In this role you will:

• Work within multi-disciplinary teams to provide analysis and interpretation from the chemometric / computational chemistry analysis of experimental data in research and development projects.
• Design, develop and implement custom data workflows to process and evaluate chemical data (e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR).
• Use and optimise a variety of software for chemometric analysis, such as PLS_Toolbox, ChromCompare+ and MassProfilerPro.
• Use programming languages, such as MATLAB, R, or Python for statistical analysis and data handling.
• Use computational chemistry tools and software to make and test chemical hypotheses (e.g. structure activity relationships, biotransformation) as well as to simulate analytical data (e.g. mass spectrometry fragmentation).
  
  

In This Role You Will:

• Work within multi-disciplinary teams to provide analysis and interpretation from the chemometric / computational chemistry analysis of experimental data in research and development projects.
• Design, develop and implement custom data workflows to process and evaluate chemical data (e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR).
• Use and optimise a variety of software for chemometric analysis, such as PLS_Toolbox, ChromCompare+ and MassProfilerPro.
• Use programming languages, such as MATLAB, R, or Python for statistical analysis and data handling.
• Use computational chemistry tools and software to make and test chemical hypotheses (e.g. structure activity relationships, biotransformation) as well as to simulate analytical data (e.g. mass spectrometry fragmentation).
  
  

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

A BSc degree in a chemistry related subject

Essential

Technical Skills

• A high level of computer literacy including demonstrable use or knowledge of computational chemistry / chemometric tools.
• Application of programming languages (e.g. MATLAB, R, Python etc.).
• Proven use of computational chemistry in the pursuit of research aims.
• Ability to design, develop and implement data workflows to evaluate chemical data (e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR).
• Excellent communication, presentation and report writing skills.
  
  

Experience

Essential

• Experience interpreting and processing experimental chemistry data (e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS, high-resolution mass spectrometry and NMR).
• A skilled communicator who is able to build and leverage networks effectively.
• Evidence of leadership skills and ability to influence others and decision making
  
  

Please see full job profile at the bottom of this page.

Safety at Dstl

Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work;

Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy,

Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example,

Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports,

Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management,

Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.

Implement Dstl's policies and ensure compliance with the Management System

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.

Individuals within DSTL who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.

Qualifications

• A BSc degree in a chemistry or related subject
  
  

Behaviours

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

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

Alongside your salary of £37,769, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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.
  
  

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At the application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV. Interview will be assessing your technical skills, experience and the behaviours stated above.

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 [e-mail] and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will commence from the 7th July 2025. Interviews to be arranged w/c 21st, 28th & 4th August 2025.

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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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 (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email [e-mail] stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.