Location
Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire or Dstl Portsdown West, Fareham, Hampshire
About the job
Summary
Do you want to be at the heart of the thrilling world of science, technology, and innovation at one of the UK’s most fascinating organisations?
Do you want to play a crucial role in ensuring that the country benefits from the best scientific advice and technological advances to keep our communities safe?
Do you want to develop your skills, challenge yourself and work collaboratively with some of the country's best scientists to deliver big solutions?
If the answer to all three of those questions is yes - then this is the job for you.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the science inside UK defence and security, has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to play an important and influential role in shaping the future of our science and technology capabilities.
The Principal Scientist for Science & Technology (S&T) Planning works closely with leading technical experts and a diverse range of stakeholders to inform Dstl's executive leadership and help them make the right decisions on the future direction of Dstl to deliver the best S&T to the UK Government.
This role is part of a dynamic team that sits in the Strategy, Portfolio and Capability Division, at the heart of executive level decision making.
It is an incredibly exciting time for Dstl which is embarking on its most ambitious programme in its 20-year history, backed up by the biggest investment in UK defence for a generation.
In this role you have the chance to shape the future, develop your skills, and be at the centre of one of the most fascinating organisations in the country.
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.
Do you want to play a crucial role in ensuring that the country benefits from the best scientific advice and technological advances to keep our communities safe?
Do you want to develop your skills, challenge yourself and work collaboratively with some of the country's best scientists to deliver big solutions?
If the answer to all three of those questions is yes - then this is the job for you.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the science inside UK defence and security, has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to play an important and influential role in shaping the future of our science and technology capabilities.
The Principal Scientist for Science & Technology (S&T) Planning works closely with leading technical experts and a diverse range of stakeholders to inform Dstl's executive leadership and help them make the right decisions on the future direction of Dstl to deliver the best S&T to the UK Government.
This role is part of a dynamic team that sits in the Strategy, Portfolio and Capability Division, at the heart of executive level decision making.
It is an incredibly exciting time for Dstl which is embarking on its most ambitious programme in its 20-year history, backed up by the biggest investment in UK defence for a generation.
In this role you have the chance to shape the future, develop your skills, and be at the centre of one of the most fascinating organisations in the country.
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.
Job description
In this role you will:
Important Information
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that 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.
If you are a current Dstl employee, you are encouraged to inform your line manager of your application as they can support you through the process and should you be successful it will help in negotiating a release date.
Work location
Dstl is strongly encouraging blended and flexible working either at one of our sites or from home or both. We want to empower you to undertake your duties at the most appropriate location for the task, however you will be allocated a Dstl site as a base. You may be required to travel to other Dstl and MoD sites as required.
- Drive the development and implementation of approaches towards enterprise level and integrated longer term S&T planning, to support the Dstl Executive in positioning Dstl for the future
- Work with Dstl Technology Strategy Leaders to continue to develop and refine the evidence base for longer term S&T planning
- Be responsible for the development and publication of the next iteration of the Dstl S&T Planning Framework.
- Support improvements in how Dstl contributes to increasing recognition and understanding of the impact and benefits S&T has across defence and security.
Responsibilities
- A desire to play a key role in helping to shape the future of organisation level delivery through the ability to provide quality and actionable information for S&T planning by the Executive and others across the organisation
- The ability to apply systems thinking and skills to problem definition and problem solving
- Evidence of applying sound judgement and analytical skills to identify and prioritise important issues from the routine
- Evidence of writing/communicating documents, plans and approaches that can be readily interpreted by a range of stakeholders
- The ability to build networks and interact confidently with staff at all levels both internally and externally, including senior leaders,
- The ability to work as a self-starter as part of a dynamic team
Important Information
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that 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.
If you are a current Dstl employee, you are encouraged to inform your line manager of your application as they can support you through the process and should you be successful it will help in negotiating a release date.
Work location
Dstl is strongly encouraging blended and flexible working either at one of our sites or from home or both. We want to empower you to undertake your duties at the most appropriate location for the task, however you will be allocated a Dstl site as a base. You may be required to travel to other Dstl and MoD sites as required.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
Benefits
We'll provide a great range of benefits including;
Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 37 hours can be taken in any calendar month.
Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
Chartership and accreditation support.
Pension.
Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
A competitive salary. Onsite gyms and restaurants.Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.
Our Diversity Networks
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 have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.
These include the following;
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Race, Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.
For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page
Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 37 hours can be taken in any calendar month.
Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
Chartership and accreditation support.
Pension.
Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
A competitive salary. Onsite gyms and restaurants.Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.
Our Diversity Networks
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 have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.
These include the following;
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Race, Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.
For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
See our vetting charter.
See our vetting charter.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Sift will take place shortly after the role has closed, successful applicants will be invited to attend an online interview.
Applicants invited to interview will undergo a combined Technical and behaviour based interview which will assess their experiences and behaviours relating to the requirements detailed in the attached job profile.
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 dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
We offer a guaranteed interview for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.
We actively encourage and welcome applications from those who work alternative working patterns (part-time, job share, term-time only etc.), Please be prepared to discuss this if you are selected for interview. You can also discuss your working pattern with the recruiting line manager or talent acquisition adviser at the application stage if preferred.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Applicants invited to interview will undergo a combined Technical and behaviour based interview which will assess their experiences and behaviours relating to the requirements detailed in the attached job profile.
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 dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
We offer a guaranteed interview for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.
We actively encourage and welcome applications from those who work alternative working patterns (part-time, job share, term-time only etc.), Please be prepared to discuss this if you are selected for interview. You can also discuss your working pattern with the recruiting line manager or talent acquisition adviser at the application stage if preferred.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :Name : Dstl RecruitmentEmail : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk Recruitment team :Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Further information
Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.
Attachments
20211110_ST_Planning_Principal_L6 Opens in new window (docx, 46kB) Candidate Information Pack_2021_V6 Opens in new window (pdf, 4274kB)
