Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme
// Role Summary
Launch your scientific career with a Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme, making a direct impact on national safety within the Royal Navy's Devonport Royal Dockyard. Gain hands-on experience in diverse laboratories and contribute to critical operations over a two-year structured programme.
// Key Responsibilities
- Gain practical experience in sample collection and analytical chemistry supporting the Royal Navy.
- Rotate across different laboratory teams, developing expertise in various scientific disciplines.
- Receive structured training, mentorship, and development opportunities, including support for Chartered Chemist status.
- Progress into a permanent role within Chemistry or Reactor Chemistry departments upon programme completion.
- Benefit from a comprehensive package including competitive salary, holiday, pension, and wellbeing support.
- Requires a science degree (Chemistry, Chemical, or Environmental Science preferable) and ability to achieve BPSS and SC clearance.
// Role Specification
Welcome to a world where your science skills have a direct impact on national safety. As a graduate on this programme, you’ll spend time working in a variety of laboratories around Devonport Royal Dockyard, each specialising in different disciplines – from confined space testing, environmental testing and analysis of radionuclides to familiarisation with metallurgical techniques and nucleonic calibrations.
You’ll get practical experience collecting samples, using specialist equipment and applying wet chemical analysis to support the safe operation of the Royal Navy’s vessels. Some days, you’ll work in the lab, learning and applying scientific techniques. Other days, you’ll go out into the dockyard to collect samples, helping protect people and the environment. Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your skills, find your strengths, and shape your future in science.
Programme Structure
Over two years, you’ll rotate across different teams, gaining experience while supporting a range of projects and teams. As you develop your technical expertise and understanding of chemical sciences, you’ll gradually take on more complex tasks and greater responsibility, contributing directly to the safe operation of the dockyard. By the end of the programme, you’ll have built a strong foundation of experience, developed valuable professional relationships, and gained the skills and confidence to take the next step in your scientific career with us.
Development and Support
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond. You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. Alongside this, you’ll follow a tailored personal development plan focused on scientist training, with access to comprehensive training in chemistry as well as health and safety best practices. Throughout your journey, you’ll be guided by a mentor and a supportive line manager. To support your journey toward Chartered Chemist status, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.
Post-Programme Opportunities
Upon completing the programme, you'll transition into a permanent role within the Chemistry or Reactor Chemistry department. As part of our friendly and supportive team, your work will help to protect national assets, people and the environment. Working patterns may vary and will include shift and weekend working to support business needs. From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.
Rewards and Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
- Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
Application Requirements
- Achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BSc (Hons) degree in a science subject. Chemistry, Chemical, or Environmental Science based degrees are preferable.
- Comfortable working in a range of operational environments, which may include working at height, within confined spaces, and in radiological areas. Full training and safety support will be provided.
- Ability to reliably travel to site for shifts, including early, late or weekend shifts. Must live within a commutable distance or be willing to relocate.
- A valid driving licence is required.
- Must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) clearance.
Location
Places on our Science and Analytical Chemistry programme for Autumn 2027 are available in our Marine/Nuclear sector in Plymouth, based at Devonport Royal Dockyard.