About the job

Job summary

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.

Job description

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

Person specification

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

Benefits

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.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

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

Sifting will take place on the 2nd April 2024 with interviews to be arranged week commencing 8th April 2024.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window). 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. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.