SDA Scientist

The Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) is a part of the Ministry of Defence working within the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA). We support those responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s ships, submarines, and boats. Our work is of strategic importance, ensuring the security of the nation’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and supporting the delivery of some of the most technically complex programmes in the world.
Discover more about our work:
We offer 25+ days’ holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 27%, to help work work for you.
Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country.] We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.
This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months., Are you an Occupational Hygienist or Toxicologist inspired to work on sophisticated, complex and cutting-edge scientific projects? If so, the SDA have an incredible opportunity for you to join our Naval Authority Technology Group (NATG) at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol.
As a specialist member of the NATG, you will be responsible for research, evaluation and approval of materials introduced to submarines during design, build and in-service phases of their lifecycles. You will work alongside industry specialists, gaining the opportunity shadow and to become a recognised authority on Occupational Hygiene (OH), Material Toxicology (MT) and Chemical Safety Management (CSM).
This is a unique role that will allow you to work at the forefront of engineering, science and technology to solve unique technical challenges. By linking with fellow minds and allies across the world, you will play a key role in protecting submariner health and provide a significant contribution to the success of our projects.
In the SDA, continuous professional development is actively encouraged. You will have access to defined upskilling policies, routes to chartership and support to prosper. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance.
What you’ll be doing
+ Support SME safety advice on biocidal products relating to OH/MT, in accordance with statutory and MoD regulations
+ Support in-service and build programmes to establish safe systems of work through chemical data reviews
+ Support high priority assessments to meet the build timescales, coordinate materials assurance efforts across the enterprise, perform and evaluate MT assessments and develop material safety policy
+ Ensure materials comply with relevant legislation and MOD policy for Naval Authority certification
+ Support the derivation of safety limits to support submarine atmosphere control, 1. Pre-sift - We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift - Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills
Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview - If you're invited to interview, you'll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.
Offering at a lower level
If you’re not successful at interview, we may offer you a role at a lower level if this is a match for your skills and experience. If this applies to your application, you’ll be scored against criteria for the lower-level role and offers will be made in merit order. If you accept this position, you’ll be able to take advantage of opportunities to develop your career as part of our team.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
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.

+ Working towards or currently registered with the British Occupational Hygiene Society with a certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene (CertOccHyg or ICertOccHyg) or relevant discipline/ professional body
+ Relevant level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
+ Significant depth of scientific experience in specialist area
In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
+ Technical Decision Making – Supervised Practitioner
+ Technical Risk Management – Supervised Practitioner
+ Communicating and influencing– CSBC3
+ Changing and improving– CSBC3

£37,100 - £39,000
per annum (pro rata), plus generous benefits and an average 27% employer pension contribution. Existing civil servants should refer to the Further Information document for salary details., Alongside your salary of £37,100, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,747 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
+ Flexible and hybrid working options
+ Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
+ Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
+ Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
+ Support for progression
+ Huge range of discounts
+ Volunteering days
+ Enhanced parental leave schemes
Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.
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