Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopist

Are you passionate about Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and eager to apply your expertise in a dynamic and cutting-edge research environment? We are looking for a motivated scientist with hands-on experience to join our Analytical Chemistry Team, where you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, driving the growth and advancement of our NMR capability.

As part of this highly skilled and collaborative team, you will have the chance to work across a diverse range of projects, from fundamental research and the development of novel methodologies to the validation and real-world application of cutting-edge techniques. Your expertise will contribute to solving complex analytical challenges, shaping the future of our research, and influencing both national and international scientific communities.

Beyond research, your role will include participation in global proficiency testing, publishing groundbreaking patents and papers, and representing Dstl on an international stage. You will also play a key role in maintaining and optimizing our state-of-the-art NMR facility, ensuring its smooth operation and continual advancement.

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to push the boundaries of NMR Spectroscopy, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to research that has real-world impact.

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.

In this role you will:

• Use high-resolution NMR spectrometers, reaching up to 600 MHz, and equipped with a diverse range of probes and specifications to conduct a wide range of NMR experiments, troubleshoot issues, data interpretation and reporting.
• Critically analyse data and deliver research outputs that align with customer requirements.
• Develop technical project proposals to meet customer requirements.
• Lead small technical teams to meet delivery milestones.
• Work safely and securely in our laboratories and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.

Please find full details of the role in the attached

Qualifications

Essential

• A BSc degree in a chemistry related subject with NMR as a core subject area of study or a project.

Desirable

• Postgraduate (or equivalent industrial) experience in NMR.
• Academic/industrial work experience in applying NMR methodologies solving problems leading to publication.

Technical Skills

Essential

• Knowledge and practical skills in NMR spectroscopy and its applications in wider chemistry.
• Understanding of the experimental and theoretical background to NMR spectroscopy.
• Ability to interpret NMR spectra and identify follow-on experiments to confirm your interpretation.
• Ability to communicate NMR results to variety of audiences.
• Completed a chemistry focussed project and published/produced scientific reports.
• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, including appropriate handling of chemicals and samples as specified within Risk Assessments.
• Understanding of COSHH and Risk Assessments and implementing safeguards for work as stipulated.

Desirable

• Familiarity with Bruker NMR hardware and software.
• Leading and influencing a team.
• Experience of working within a quality system.
• Industrial/work experience in analytical chemistry.

Experience

Essential

• A good understanding of the principles of NMR spectroscopy and of NMR hardware and software, together with knowledge of modern NMR techniques and applications to chemical analysis Experience in sample preparation methods.
• Practical experience in the use of NMR.
• Effective time management and ability to deliver at pace.
• Proactive in their approach to work, being able to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of technical leadership.

Desirable

• Experience in handling Acute Toxicity Category 1 material.
• Experience of working within a quality system.

Safety at Dstl

Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work;

Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy,
Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example,
Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports,
Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management,
Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
Implement Dstl's policies and ensure compliance with the Management System

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.

Individuals within DSTL who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.

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

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Job contact :

• Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]