Laboratory Manager

Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ

We are looking for a laboratory manager is required as part of the critical operational support within TDG. Their primary role is to support the current laboratory managers with the day to day management and operation of DNA, Trace and Bulk laboratories. This involves ensuring the laboratories comply with ISO17025 Standard and the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice and Conduct (FSR CoPC).

The Threat Detection Group (TDG) of the Counter Terrorism and Security Division (CTS) delivers operationally focused science and technology to support and advice MOD and wider Government on the detection, identification and characterisation of explosives substances and related materials. We conduct research & development into the use of equipment to support a search capability for UK Forces and Other Government Departments. We deliver sovereign explosives, forensic and intelligence capabilities, provide front-line scientific capability and expert advice and intelligence-led support to disrupt the network.

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.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

In this role you will:
•    Support the maintenance of equipment and instrumentation, and manage stock to ensure efficient operation of the DNA, Trace and Bulk laboratories in line with business needs.
•    Support the maintenance of laboratory facilities in line with Dstl Management Systems to ensure safe working.
•    Support the training, supervision and mentoring of laboratory staff/users, and work with other laboratory management and support staff within the division to ensure business needs and quality standards are met.
Provide advice on laboratory activities to laboratory users

We are looking for someone who has:
•    Experience working independently and as part of a team to ensure the safe running of operational analytical laboratories
•    The ability to manage competing priorities to strict deadlines
•    An awareness of safe working practices within a laboratory or other complex environment
•    Good attention to detail to ensure cleaning and maintenance of laboratories is completed to a high standard
•    The ability to manage the workload of other members of the team to support an 24/7 operational laboratory
•    Ability to work under pressure

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.

Please see full job description at the bottom of the page

Degree qualified in a Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Managing a Quality Service

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

• Good knowledge of the following instruments – GC, GC – MS, LCMS

Alongside your salary of £35,970, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes
£9,711 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.

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

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

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Job contact :

• Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : DSTLRECRUITMENT@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk