Scientific Officer Chemistry

Are you a chemist looking for an opportunity to develop your analytical skills in a new and challenging role?  Would you enjoy working in a unique environment providing analysis and support to the Royal Navy and armed forces worldwide?  This post offers that opportunity! 

The work of the team is mainly the analysis of water samples from a range of sources, as well as maintenance of the equipment, development of new methods, and work in support of the laboratory’s Quality System.  The work is carried out in an ISO 17025 accredited environment and would suit someone with good attention to detail who is methodical and able to work accurately and consistently to detailed scientific procedures.

The Institute of Naval Medicine is the Royal Navy’s centre of excellence for occupational health advice, information, training and research. Working in the Environmental and Industrial Hazards Laboratory you will support a team of scientific specialists providing high quality scientific analysis and advice to the Royal Navy and other UK armed services. The successful candidate will also be expected, if required, to assist in the Environmental and Industrial Hazards submarine sea-trials and hazardous materials response teams.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Institute of Naval Medicine provides scientific and medical support to improve the health and safety of the Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces. The unique opportunities offered within are varied, challenging and exciting and support Navy Command’s role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow by developing and delivering the Navy of the future. 

The successful candidate will work in a UKAS accredited laboratory as part of a team of 6 chemists, within a wider team of approximately 20 specialists, providing analytical support and advice to the Royal Navy and armed forces.

The primary role of the chemistry laboratory is the analysis of potable water samples and other environmental samples for the protection and ongoing health monitoring of the armed services.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the routine preparation & analysis of samples, Quality Control and data processing of results and issue of reports. Other duties include equipment maintenance and investigation, general laboratory upkeep, follow-up of non-conforming work and other actions resulting from the Quality System. As an accredited laboratory we conduct internal audits, and you will have the opportunity to join this team and contribute to this crucial task which is key to maintaining the quality of the laboratory’s output.

The secondary element of the role is membership of the hazardous materials response, and submarine trials teams.  In these teams you will work alongside military and civilian personnel ashore and at sea, including deploying on submarines, to conduct surveys, audits, investigations, and training. These roles require travel within the UK and overseas.

This is a multifaceted, exciting, and rewarding analytical chemistry role that has genuine impact for UK Defence.  It is an excellent opportunity to learn from a team of highly experienced and enthusiastic analysts and would appeal to anybody wanting to develop and apply their skills in both a routine laboratory and field setting.  Recent laboratory experience is desirable, however full training will be provided in all aspects of the role.

Duties and Responsibilities 

While the primary role is laboratory based, the successful applicant may be required to undertake further training to deliver field work in the UK and overseas, on land, air and maritime operations (including submarines) upon completion of training for the primary role.

 Key responsibilities include:

• Working within an ISO 17025 accredited environment to carry out work to a high standard in accordance with the laboratory Quality System
• Undertaking analysis of water and other samples using documented analytical methods and ensuring that all work is carried out to the requirements of the Quality System including successful participation in external quality assurance schemes
• Assisting in the maintenance of the laboratory Quality System, including method development and validation, monitoring and continuous improvement of processes, internal auditing, and management of non-conforming work
• Ensuring that stocks of necessary materials are maintained
• Maintaining and developing technical expertise in all aspects of the chemistry laboratory’s work including a working knowledge of relevant legislation and military policy
• Delivering training to service personnel, especially in sampling techniques and potable water topics
• Other laboratory tasks as required such as sample receipt, sample kit preparation and housekeeping
• Delivery of the SATT role, encompassing:
  • Undertaking submarine trials (Atmosphere Control Acceptance Tests and Submarine Atmosphere Investigations).
  • Undertaking Atmosphere Control Equipment Audits (ACE)
  • Delivery of training to Royal Navy personnel on submarine courses
• Deliver the role of HEPO, as part of an on-call duty commitment, to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials, associated exercises, and training delivery

Once competence is achieved, delivery of the SATT and HEPO roles may attract additional allowances.

The successful candidate will be focused and dedicated to producing a high quality of work. You must be able to work independently with minimum supervision, making decisions regarding your own work and priorities, and be a considerate team worker, offering or providing help to other team members when required. While the primary role is laboratory based, the successful applicant may be required to undertake further training to deliver field work in the UK and overseas, on land, air and maritime operations (including submarines) upon completion of training for the primary role. A full UK driving licence is essential. 

An ENG1 (seafarer medical) is required, as provided through registered GPs, further information will be provided.

Desirable criteria

• As the post is primarily routine laboratory analysis, 12 months recent laboratory experience is desirable, preferably of an analytical nature
• Experience of organic and inorganic analytical techniques including GC-MS, IC, ICP-MS and ICP-OES
• Experience of working in an ISO 17025 accredited environment

Qualifications

First degree in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.

Licences

A full UK driving licence (Category B)

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

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

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

• Leadership

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

• Securing, maintaining and developing relevant technical expertise
• Applying scientific and technical knowledge
• Understanding and complying with statutory requirements and standards

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

• Securing, maintaining and developing relevant technical expertise

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.         

Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

We also offer a range of on-site facilities including a gymnasium, volleyball court, a staff restaurant, garden areas, staff social functions, and ample car parking spaces. The Institute is situated in Alverstoke, just a ten-minute walk from Stokes Bay, Gosport.

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree.

Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months – 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way.

Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post. 

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 Note: Expenses incurred for the ENG1 medical will be reimbursed but 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.

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Job contact :

• Name : Mr Samuel Lea
• Email : samuel.lea103@mod.gov.uk
• Telephone : 02392 768194

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk