Science and Analytical Chemistry

What will you do on the programme?

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.

How is the programme structured?

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.

How do we develop and support you?

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.

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

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.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

Rewards and benefits

What do you need to apply?

You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BSc (Hons) degree in a science subject. Chemistry, chemical, or environmental science based degrees are preferable.
You should be 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.
This is a site-based programme involving shifts, so you’ll need to be able to reliably travel to site, including for early, late or weekend shifts. You should live within a commutable distance or be willing to relocate.
A valid driving licence is required, as you may be required to transport radiological materials.
Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Where will you be based?

Places on our Science and Analytical Chemistry programme for Autumn 2027 are available in our Marine/Nuclear sector in Plymouth. We ask our graduates to be flexible as there is the potential to undertake placements in other locations during their programme.

Marine/Nuclear – HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth

Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of the team that delivers critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Throughout your placements, you’ll have the chance to work in state-of-the-art laboratories as well as on-site across the dockyard, gaining hands-on experience in a wide variety of settings.

Every team and project offers something new to discover, and while Plymouth is your home base, there may be opportunities to broaden your experience in other locations as part of your programme.

Current openings in
Science and Analytical Chemistry

Application guidance

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.