Scientist - Sustainability

Smiths Detection; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Detection is seeking a Sustaining Scientist to join our Portfolio Team. You will support existing detection products, analyze data, and help drive ongoing development and performance improvements across aviation, ports, and security applications.

The role requires designing experiments, applying advanced instrumentation, and communicating findings to engineers, managers, regulators and customers. A PhD or Master’s with experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and conducting experimental investigations.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment.
• The ability to design experiments from a high-level problem statement.
• Excellent technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• A proactive and inquisitive approach to problem solving.
• The confidence to challenge assumptions, identify gaps and propose solutions.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing experiments to investigate product performance and solve technical challenges.
• Analysing complex datasets and translating findings into practical recommendations.
• Supporting the introduction of new capabilities, chemicals and detection requirements into existing products.
• Contributing to algorithm development and performance optimisation activities.
• Providing scientific expertise to Product Managers, engineers, customers and regulators.
• Producing clear technical reports, presentations and documentation.
• Investigating product issues and identifying root causes through structured experimentation.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across product management, engineering and science functions.
• Occasionally supporting external testing, trials and industry events.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Physics (preferred)

Master's + industrial lab experience

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Mass spectrometry

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)

Spectroscopy

Computational data analysis

Job description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

We are looking for a Sustaining Scientist to join our Portfolio Team, supporting and enhancing market-leading chemical, explosives and narcotics detection systems used across aviation, critical infrastructure, border security and other regulated environments.

This role is ideal for a hands-on scientist who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, designing experiments, analysing data and working with advanced analytical instrumentation. You will play a key role in supporting products throughout their lifecycle, ensuring they continue to meet customer, regulatory and operational requirements.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Sustaining Scientist, you will support existing detection products and contribute to their ongoing development and performance improvement.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and executing scientific experiments to investigate product performance and solve technical challenges
• Analysing complex datasets and translating findings into practical recommendations
• Supporting the introduction of new capabilities, chemicals and detection requirements into existing products
• Contributing to algorithm development and performance optimisation activities
• Providing scientific expertise to Product Managers, engineers, customers and regulators
• Producing clear technical reports, presentations and documentation
• Investigating product issues and identifying root causes through structured experimentation
• Supporting scientific aspects of products and consumables throughout their lifecycle
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across product management, engineering and science functions
• Occasionally supporting external testing, trials and industry events

What We’re Looking For:

We're seeking someone who enjoys scientific problem-solving and can take ownership of technical investigations from concept through to conclusion.

• Experience planning and conducting experimental investigations
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment
• The ability to design experiments from a high-level problem statement
• Excellent technical report writing and presentation skills
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
• A proactive and inquisitive approach to problem solving
• The confidence to challenge assumptions, identify gaps and propose solutions

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• ION Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
• Mass Spectrometry
• Spectroscopy or other advanced analytical techniques
• Analytical chemistry research and development environments
• Computational data analysis and modelling
• Applicants who have worked on the development, modification or optimisation of analytical instrumentation will be of particular interest.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be someone who can take a broad technical challenge, determine the right scientific approach, design and execute experiments, interpret the results and clearly communicate recommendations.

We're looking for a scientist who can think critically, work independently and provide insight that shapes products used around the world.

Please note: Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) as part of the role.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics or a related scientific discipline (preferred)
• A Master's degree plus relevant industrial experience as a laboratory-based scientist

We offer...

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.