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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Defence Operations
Engineering
Operational Research
Science
Statistics
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About the job
Job summary
We provide independent assessment of the Nuclear Deterrent through a programme of technical studies and audits of key Deterrent capabilities.
Our assessments are central to senior decision making within the Ministry of Defence.
Being at the heart of real Defence issues, we will be delivering against one of the Departments top three priorities, in a high-profile area which is rarely out of the news.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
We are looking for someone with a strong scientific or technical background who has some experience in numerical modelling and/or computational data analysis. Due to the diversity of technical knowledge required for this role, it is essential that you can assimilate information covering a broad range of topics and learn new skills with limited supervision.
Person specification
You will use, understand and develop bespoke software tools to conduct analysis relating to submarine performance to support both current operations and future procurement decisions. The outputs of your work will be used to provide assurance that UK submarines remain safe, secure and effective.
Typical responsibilities include:
Creation and use of bespoke numerical models
Application of scientific knowledge to unfamiliar problems
Signal processing and signal detection
Operational analysis
Geospatial analysis
The post holder will be expected to use their own initiative and knowledge to develop solutions. The team will provide close support as you become established and improve your own knowledge.
Due to the nature of the work we require some 60-80% of our time in the office, with some flexible working opportunities.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
Experience in programming in any widely-used programming language, e.g. Java, C++, Python, Fortran, Matlab.
Experience in solving complex technical problems.
Experience in acquiring new skills/knowledge with limited supervision.
Desirable:
Experience in technical or scientific work in relation to the underwater domain,
Experience in technical or scientific work relating to acoustics or vibration.
Experience in signal processing.
We do not expect candidates to meet all the desirable criteria. We will consider all candidates who meet the essential criteria. We will provide training and tutoring to ensure that you can develop your own abilities within the role.
Please provide details of your relevant skills and experience in the Statement of Suitability section of your application.
In addition to assessment against Behaviours, you will be invited to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding against scenarios during interview.
Qualifications
A degree (or equivalent) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subject or other highly numerate subject.
Desirable:
A higher degree (e.g. MSc, MEng, PhD or equivalent), in a STEM subject or other highly numerate
subject.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£9,134 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
This challenging role will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to:
Further develop their scientific, numerical analysis, and communication skills.
Gain knowledge and experience across a wide spectrum of physics and operational analysis.
Develop their knowledge and understanding of military operations.
Make a genuine contribution to high priority defence tasks.
Other benefits of the role include:
Opportunity for flexible working
Between 25-30 days paid annual leave, based on length of service.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
Highly competitive pensions scheme
Free gym
Candidates should be aware that the London office is underground with no windows and is accessed by two flights of steps, with no lift available.
The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six month probation period.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Posts based in London will attract the relevant London weighting.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include: job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will be required to complete a Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words. Please provide experience relevant to the role.
Candidates will be required to complete an online numerical test.
Should you be invited to complete the online tests, please allow sufficient time to complete the tests and the remainder of the full application form; only candidates who are successful at the test stage will be invited to complete the remainder of the application by clicking Submit Application. Your application must be completed by 23:55 on the closing date of the vacancy. Late submissions cannot be accepted. The tests are not timed, as they work by giving you harder questions if you answer the previous question correctly, and easier if you get it wrong. You should allow up to an hour for each test, and each test must be completed before you will be invited to complete the second part of your application. Internet access will be required for the duration of the test. Please refer to the attached Candidate Guidance for further information.
Candidates that reach the minimum required pass mark will have their results saved as a banked score against the following tests:
New Civil Service Numerical Test
When a candidate has a banked score theyre not asked to re-take the same test providing it is set at the same level. Scores will be banked for a 6 month period from the date of test completion. If a candidate is invited to take the same test against multiple vacancies, the banked score will be recognised against all vacancies and all active applications will progress.
If you require any particular arrangements (for example due to a disability or health problem) to be made in order for you to complete the online test you MUST contact the DBS Enquiry Centre on 0800 345 7772 BEFORE accessing the online test. Opening times Mon -Friday 0800- 1600 hrs.
There will be a sift and interview. During the interview you will be required to demonstrate your analytical skills against a number of supplied scenarios.
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.
The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any
provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
These roles are available to sole UK Nationals only.
Nationality Requirements – Further Information for Candidates 1. This post is classed as Reserved as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service1 (Paragraph. 3.1).
UK National Definition
2. The definition of a UK National can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Dual Nationals 3. As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a. Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the
Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.
Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts
4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a. departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional
requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.
5. If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact dno-sspagregistry@mod.gov.uk. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
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
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Jan Burrows
- Email : DNO-SSPAGRegistry@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
