Dstl Graduates

Job summary

Scratch the surface to reveal the reality behind the mystery of a career with Dstl.

If you are driven by curiosity, solving problems and are studying a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics), social science, humanities degree (eg history, war studies) or even Human Resource Management degree, we are keen to hear from you.

So, who is Dstl?

Dstl is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s in-government science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering innovative mission-winning solutions essential for maintaining UK warfighting readiness in an increasingly dangerous and complex world.

From DNA batteries to anthropology, cyber security and software development to aircraft survivability and many more to Health and Safety and even Human Resources– the breadth and depth of what we do is extra-ordinary.

A lot of the work you can get involved in has to stay secret, which means we can’t tell you a lot of what happens underneath the surface. What we can say is the projects Dstl work on has a genuine impact on protecting our nation.

We stretch the boundaries of research, technology and science and apply them in unexpected ways.

What roles have we got for you?

You can start your journey on a graduate scheme (which may include rotations and an industrial placement) or directly into a role – either way you will make real impact.

The transferability of your skill set in your degree discipline feeds into the incredible variety of work we do – potentially in areas you’ve never even considered.

We have graduate opportunities within the following areas:

• Health and Safety
• Human Resources
• Digital Advantage - CEMA
• Digital Advantage – C4ISR
• Human and Biological Advantage
• Chemistry & Energetics
• Lethality & Protection
• Strategic Analysis
• Systems Integration

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.

Job description

Dstl’s new Graduate Programme is launching in Autumn 2026.

The new programme is designed to provide professional development, technical skills and real-world experience. Working as part of a team on projects that contribute to the safety and prosperity of the UK and its allies, you will gain insights and perspectives in specialist areas of the science and technology behind UK Defence and Security. Alongside a programme of development, you will be supported by a mentor to help you maximise your progress.

A supportive network of peers will also enhance your experience and enable you to explore broader work at Dstl.

As a graduate, what will you do?

We can’t tell you too much about that, until you start (and have your clearance), but here’s a flavour:

• Challenge conventional thinking, contribute to, and take pride in working on life-saving projects
• Partner with industry and represent Dstl to external suppliers, customers and stakeholders
• Learn and improve your skills and knowledge from our friendly experts – and teach them!
• Explore the organisation, making the most of opportunities getting involved in trials, working groups or seminars
• Network across Government, industry and academia.

We are genuine when we say no two days are the same!

For more information on Dstl Graduate Scheme please see the candidate pack attached below

Person specification

Why Dstl?

That’s simple –your career journey will start at an organisation that empowers and supports you to create your OWN career pathway. You will spend roughly 60% of your time on site taking advantage of our facilities and working closely with expert colleagues. You will also spend time on customer sites working and engaging with our customers and stakeholders.

Worried about the commute? We have handy shuttle services in Salisbury and Portsmouth. Or a cycle to work scheme if you live closer.

Don’t forget to check out all our benefits…they’re too good not to share!

What are we looking for in a graduate at Dstl:

• A degree in a relevant subject
• Effective communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Passion for ongoing learning and self-development opportunities and the willingness to develop others.
• Curiosity and tenacity to understand how things work and to improve them
• Adaptability to work independently and in teams
• Ability and desire to challenge yourself and work outside of your comfort zone
• Self-starting skills such as confidence, motivation, innovation and creativity
• To agree and uphold our values – impactful, innovative and collaborative

For more information on the essential degrees’ suitability for our opportunities, please see the attachment below.

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.

Qualifications

If you are driven by curiosity, solving problems and are studying a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics), social science, humanities degree (eg history, war studies) or even Human Resource Management degree.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,641, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £9,166 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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. Option to join Vivup Benefits Payment scheme

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns, i.e compressed hours, 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.

• 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.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 14th April with interviews to be arranged from the 9th May 2026

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 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.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

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 theCivil 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 : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.

Attachments

20260302_Dstl_Grad_Candidate_Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 5755kB)20260302_Dstl_Grad_Opportunities Opens in new window (docx, 45kB)