Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that combines technical expertise, analytical thinking, and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders? We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a scientific modelling specialist, where you will play a critical role in supporting operational capabilities and policy decision-making for the Royal Navy.
In this role, you will be responsible for conducting in-depth studies using a variety of tools and standalone models. Your work will ensure operational capabilities are robust and will provide critical insights into the impact of modifications to existing models and the introduction of new functionality. You will identify the most appropriate tools and inputs for operational use, while developing a specialist understanding of a range of scientific phenomena and their modelling. Your findings will be communicated through technical reports and briefs, helping to answer key questions for our Royal Navy customers.
Your day-to-day activities will involve running scenarios through models, analysing outputs, and presenting results to senior stakeholders. This will help inform their understanding and guide decisions ahead of operational modelling changes. The nature of the studies you undertake will evolve in response to emerging priorities from the customer community, ensuring your work remains dynamic and impactful.
Beyond your analytical responsibilities, you will play a key role in shaping the direction of research into scientific modelling. This will involve active participation in technical working groups with both internal and external stakeholders, spanning the United Kingdom and our international partners. You will provide intelligent customer technical advice to international collaborations and act as the technical secretariat for scientific working groups. Regular interaction with experts in the UK scientific research community will be essential, as you work to develop knowledge and ensure the needs of end-users are fully considered. This aspect of the role will likely involve domestic and overseas travel to engage with stakeholders in person.
Additionally, you will take on the role of system security officer for several classified systems on site. To excel in this position, you will acquire and maintain a proficient understanding of real-world systems, their modelling, and the limitations and caveats associated with each model. You will also gain knowledge of security rules and international treaties.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical decision-making processes, collaborate with a diverse range of experts, and develop your expertise in scientific modelling. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and thrive in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.
Health & Safety Requirement
Please note, the working environment for this role is situated in an underground facility and therefore, for health & safety reasons the successful applicant must be physically able to climb thirteen flights of stairs in the event of an emergency.
Reasonable Adjustments
We welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions. Due to the designated working area level for this role known as Information Protection Zone (IPZ) permission will need to be sought for any medical devices or assistive technology to be used in the IPZ. This is because the type of technology used is prohibited due to security. Permission is granted on a case by case basis and it is an essential function of the role to be able to work in the designated IPZ area.
We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.
Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Person specification
We are seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:
* Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyse data and interpret results effectively.
* Critical Thinking: A solid understanding of modelling limitations and the ability to recognise and communicate associated caveats.
* Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
* Curiosity and Adaptability: A willingness to learn and engage with complex physical phenomena, demonstrating enthusiasm for continuous development.
Essential Skills;
* Relevant level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
* Associate Member or equivalent of a relevant Professional Science or Engineering Institute
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques
* EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 38,700, Ministry of Defence contributes 11,211 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* An environment with flexible working options
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Successful applicants for this role may also be eligible for a Trident Specialist Allowance (TSA) or Trident Chartership (TCA) if eligibility criteria are satisfied. TSA and TCA are non-contractual, non-consolidated, discretionary payments which may be withdrawn at any time.
At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance (this is expected to be a minimum of 60% depending on business needs) to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
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.
Candidates will be required to provide a CV covering job history and qualifications but this will not be assessed, it is just a requirement of the system.
At Sift,you will be assessed against the following;
Experience:
Personal Statement - This should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable requirements for the role.
Behaviours:
Communicating and Influencing - CSBC3
Making Effective Decisions - CSBC3
Technical Competencies:
EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Supervised Practitioner
EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Supervised Practitioner
At Interview,you will be assessed against the following;
Behaviours:
Communicating and Influencing - CSBC3
Making Effective Decisions - CSBC3
Technical Competencies:
EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Supervised Practitioner
EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Supervised Practitioner
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
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 developed vetting (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.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
* Name : Josh Mulholland
* Email : joshua.mulholland106@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
* Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.
Attachments 20240927_Engineering Scientist_STSI_SDA Success Profiles_FINAL-O Opens in new window (pdf, 139kB) DE&S_Engineering Competence Framework Opens in new window (pdf, 1442kB) EXTERNAL PACK Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)