Research Technician – Microbiology and Aerosol Science

At the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) we work to improve the impact of S&T on the defence and security of the United Kingdom! To do this, we need people who can use their skills to innovate and develop technologies which give our country the winning-edge. We work in specialised areas which are operationally critical and international in nature, our work therefore has to be done within government!

We are seeking to recruit a hardworking, self-motivated individual to join our Microbiology and Aerosol Science Group and strengthen our team of in vivo workers and researchers involved in various aspects of live animal work.

You will work closely with scientific and technical specialists across a range of projects and animal models. Programme areas include; understanding the hazard and the development of medical countermeasures against virulent pathogens.

You will support research into bacteria and viruses and play an important part in the planning and practical delivery of the studies.

In this role you will:
• Develop skill sets to undertake work with animal models.
• Work to relevant safety and procedural documentation.
• Perform regulated procedures as a responsible Personal License holder in support of Dstl’s experimental programmes.
• Support with planning and running in vivo studies.
• Engage with a wide range of other staff and partners including; Scientists, Named Animal Care and Welfare Officers and regular dialogue with the Named Veterinary Surgeon, Project License Holders, Named Training and Competency Officer and Technical Leaders.
• Work to quality standards to include maintaining training and competency records.
• Undertake relevant CPD e.g. on the job training, off-site courses, reading papers, conference attendance.
• Be a flexible member of the team for example by taking part in rostered out of hours/on-call duties (additional payment applies).

Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who has:
• “A” Level or equivalent in a biological science.
• Laboratory experience at microbiological containment level 2 (advantageous) and microbiology containment level 3 (desirable).
• Competence to deliver on agreed set of tasks, to time and to standard.
• In vivo research experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
• Experience as a Home Office Personal Licensee or be in a position to undertake modular training in multiple species in order to apply for one.
• Evidence of good interpersonal skills (i.e. oral, written form) and proficient with the tools required to present work (e.g. PowerPoint).

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.

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.

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

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.

A Level or equivalent in a biological science.

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

We’ll provide a great range of benefits including;

– Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours and compressed hours, to name a few.
– Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 20 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
– 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