Operational CB Mathematical Modeller

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join the CB Reachback Modelling Capability, a team that provides urgent scientific advice and emergency response support to MOD and homeland security operations. Working as part of a specialist team, you will deliver Chemical and Biological hazard assessment advice, using mathematical models to evaluate the potential impact of toxic materials released into the atmosphere. Your work will directly inform decision-making at the highest levels of government and contribute to the development of current and future policy.

This is a dynamic and fast-paced role, often requiring responses to time-critical and high-priority requests. Success in the role will depend on your ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, manage competing priorities and remain calm and effective under pressure while delivering high-quality scientific outputs.

Why Join Us?

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 deliver deliver scientific analysis at pace, using modelling and your expert knowledge to generate robust evidence. You will use your judgement to reach evidence based conclusions and contribute scientific expertise to our customers through a variety of communication methods. The successful candidate will also actively contribute to capability development to improve the quality and pace of our future responses.

For further details, please see the job profile at the bottom of this advert.

Person specification

We looking for someone who has:

A minimum bachelors degree in one of the following relevant disciplines:

Chemistry / Engineering / Mathematics / Physics

You must be able to use programming languages and willing to further build your expertise in this area. You also will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Full information about the person specification can be found in the Job Profile at the bottom of this advert

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.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Leadership

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,741, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

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, 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.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

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 [email removed] and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 2nd November with interviews to be arranged from the 23rd November at Porton Down.

Your interview will consist of behavioural and technical competency-based questions. You will also be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation. Further details for the presentation will be provided to candidates invited to interview.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is