About the job

Job summary

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic Molecular Virologist.

Working closely with fellow scientists, you will be required to undertake laboratory research in support of a number of programme areas, both directly within the Microbiology Group (understanding the hazard, and the development of medical countermeasures against virulent pathogens) and externally to the group where you will apply your molecular virology expertise.

You will be supported with sustaining and developing your practical laboratory skills across our High Containment Virology Capability where you will be part of a highly skilled team of scientific experts. The work undertaken in this area ranges from pioneering research, through to translational therapeutic research to applying knowledge in operational support. Our capabilities have impact at the highest levels of government.

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:

• Develop innovative molecular solutions to technical challenges over a broad range of virus families.
• Embrace the leading edge of technology to maximise benefits of automation and AI tools.
• Develop a career specialism in a defence-relevant aspect of virology (e.g. medical countermeasures; hazard assessment; synthetic biology tools)
• Engage with government and intergovernmental bodies to provide advice on control and mitigation of potential hazards and risks arising from viruses and virus research.
• Provide timely, impartial, evidence-based advice to customers to enable them to make informed decisions representing “best value” and a return on investment.

Safety:

• Pro-actively support safe working practices, appreciating the need for colleague welfare is the top priority for Dstl. You will take responsibility for working safely and report on any practices, no matter how big or small, to mitigate any potential risks.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

• A passion for molecular virology.
• An interest in biosecurity.
• A desire to stretch themselves to understand a broad application space and an interest in seeing S&T across the breadth of Dstl.
• A commitment to delivery of high quality innovative science.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Great networking and communication skills.
• A commitment to ongoing self-development, including continuing to expand knowledge across Virology.

Technical Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Ph.D. in a molecular virology related subject
• Bachelor of Science in a relevant discipline (e.g. molecular biology; biochemistry; biological sciences) and/or equivalent scientific experience.
• Independent and Teamwork.
• Problem-solving.
• Time management (working at pace but not compromising safety standards).
• Scientific writing.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Experience:

Essential:

• Experience of virus culture and manipulation, and design and genetic modification of viruses.

Desirable:

• Experience of laboratory automation (e.g. liquid handling robots; automated imaging) and associated scripting and programming are preferred
• Experience of computer assisted design (CAD) tools for molecular/synthetic biology is preferred

Additional Information:

If you are a current Dstl employee you must ensure your line manager is aware of your application and the potential situation regarding release dates, if successful and a start date is not agreed it could result in the job offer being withdrawn.

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. 

Location/Working Pattern:

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of workplace and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,815, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £11,830 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, Experience and Technical skills.

The sift will take place week commencing 2nd September and will assess your CV and answer to the Technical Question to establish your knowledge and experience  in virology.

Interviews will be held on Friday 20th September and will assess your virology knowledge, experience and skills and the behaviours listed above.

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.