About the job

Job summary

Within the Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Division our mission is to support the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and other Government Departments to ensure intelligent decision-making is at the heart of the UK government thinking. Dstl utilises protein biochemistry to answer critical research questions of relevance to UK Defence and Security. The tools used include laboratory based techniques through to novel computational methods and cover a broad research space, including the development of novel therapeutics and designing the next generation of biosensors.

We are looking for a Research Scientist who has experience in computational biochemistry and a good understanding of protein structure and function. The ideal candidate would have a specific interest in computational techniques and their application to protein design, including the use of deep learning tools. The role will require a good degree of digital literacy including:

• Proficiency in the use of the Linux operating system.
• Experience in protein modelling tools (e.g. ChimeraX, PyMOL).
• Experience in applied deep learning methods (e.g. AlphaFold, ProteinMPNN).
• Competency in a programming language (e.g. Python, R).

Experience in computational techniques is a key component to the role but applicants with predominantly laboratory-based experience with a strong desire to develop in these areas are encouraged to apply (in these instances training will be provided). The blended learning approach we offer includes, funded postgraduate training, professional development, mentoring, and applied computational experience to help you build skills, competency and knowledge.

You will have the opportunity to work in a rapidly innovating and exciting research area, utilising novel, cutting-edge technologies to support the progression of our unique research requirements. You will work on a variety of interesting and challenging problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere - we offer scientific work like no other!

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

Job description

In this role you will:

For the level 4 position:

• Work on a variety of interesting and challenging research questions in the area of computational biochemistry for Defence and Security.
• Develop your computational skills and become proficient in protein modelling methods
• Utilise deep learning techniques for protein design.
• Collaborate with industry and academia.
• Develop your career in an exciting research area.

In addition to the responsibilities at level 4, in the level 5 position you will:

• Work across disciplines to join together lab and computational hypotheses.
• Create your own research proposals and proactively drive research forward.
• Have the opportunity to drive the advancement of computational biochemistry across Dstl.

Working conditions

At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver innovative science and technology with our partners, working in a way they need to wherever they need to.

We are based at Dstl site at Porton Down (near Salisbury) and when on site you will be predominantly office based. There may be opportunities for limited UK and overseas travel depending on project requirements.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

For the level 4 position:

• A relevant science degree (minimum BSc).
• Experience with a programing language (Python, R, etc.).
• An interest in computational methods and their application to protein design (e.g. physics-based methods (Rosetta, etc), deep learning techniques (AlphaFold, etc)).
• A good understanding of protein biochemistry and/or structural biology.
• A willingness to learn and develop their technical skills.
• An ability to organise, plan and implement projects to deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

For the level 5 position:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD) or equivalent scientific experience.
• Experience in computational protein design (physics-based or deep learning methods).
• Experience with the Linux operating system.
• Experience in developing, implementing and leading new research hypotheses.
• A track record of working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

For the level 4 position:

• Minimum graduate degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., biochemistry, biomedical sciences or any of the following degrees which contained modules in protein biochemistry: chemistry, natural sciences, pharmacology, life sciences, etc.).
• Proficiency in protein modelling tools (e.g. ChimeraX, PyMOL).
• Experience in a programming language (e.g. Python, R, shell scripting).
• Experience in conducting scientific research related to protein biochemistry.
• Good problem solving skills and an ability to work systematically.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

For the level 5 position, applicants are required to meet the criteria of the level 4 position, in addition to:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD) or equivalent scientific experience.
• Experience in the use of deep learning methods to design proteins (e.g. AlphaFold, RoseTTAFold, ProteinMPNN, etc.).
• Proficiency in the use of the Linux operating system.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and leading new research hypotheses.
• Experience in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate scientific information to non-specialists.

Desirable

Please note the following skills and experience are not essential. If you do not meet them, please still submit an application.

For the level 4 position:

• Knowledge or experience in laboratory techniques used to produce and analyse proteins.

For the level 5 position:

• Experience in physics-based protein modelling or design techniques (Rosetta, molecular dynamics, docking, etc).
• Experience in using high performance computing and cloud computing.
• Experience in mentoring less senior colleagues.
• A relevant peer-review publication record.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,001, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £7,830 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 and Experience.

Sifting will take place once the vacancy closes. Successful applicants will be notified by email and invited to a technical interview W/c 4th and 11th September.

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.

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.