Modelling and Simulation Analyst

Location

Dstl Portsdown West (PDW), possibly Dstl Porton Down and Maritime Warfare Centre (part of the Royal Navy’s Operational Advantage Centre) at HMS Collingwood, Fareham.

About the job

Job summary

Introduction

Can you think creatively and consider all possible solutions to a problem?

• Are you passionate about delivering high impact analysis and research to help protect the UK and our Armed Forces from real-world threats, both at home and abroad?
• Does the idea of having the opportunity to work alongside the Royal Navy using your analytical skills to support operations appeal to you?
• Do you want to work alongside interesting people on exciting projects that will deliver impact
• Do you have an analytical mind with an ability to structure, take on and visualise complex problems?
• Do you have an interest in, or some experience of, applying modelling and simulation techniques to solve analytical problems and some experience of computer programming, for example Python, “R” or Matlab?

If the answer to these questions is yes, we want to hear from you!

Dstl are looking for operational analysts who want to make a difference both on relatively fast-moving analysis supporting the Royal Navy as it does its operational tasking whilst also working on longer term analysis to ensure that decisions made by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are based on the best available evidence.

Your work will directly contribute to the defence and security of the UK, working alongside the Armed Forces to help keep the country safe. You will be working at the forefront of research and innovation, which is a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.  Quite simply, you will be doing work that you cannot do anywhere else.

In this role, you will spend up to 3 years (option exists to extend) seconded off site, based within the Maritime Warfare Centre (part of the Operational Advantage Centre) in HMS COLLINGWOOD, near Fareham, 4 miles from Dstl Portsdown West. The Operational Advantage Centre is the Royal Navy's focal point for developing tactics and providing operational support to deployed ships, aircraft, submarines and Royal Marines. This will take at least 60% of your working time and you will be working on near real time analytical tasks as part of a small team co-located with experienced Royal Navy operators.

During the remainder of your working time, you will maintain links with the broader Dstl maritime research programme, using the same analytical skills working on longer term projects, either at Dstl Portsdown West (the more likely venue due to proximity to the Operational Advantage Centre) or Porton Down.

Once your secondment is complete, you will return to either Dstl Portsdown or Porton Down as your base site for work but can still continue to do work in support of the Operational Advantage Centre.

Notable benefits of being seconded include entitlement to an annual off site worker allowance of £2K for 3 years (with a possible extension to 4 years) and  free access to the HMS COLLINGWOOD Sports and Recreation Centre which includes a full size swimming pool, sports gyms, various weights rooms and CV suites, squash courts, 5-a-side football pitch and access to various supervised fitness sessions. There will also be opportunities for travel (domestic and international) to visit and work with partners as well as attending/conduct trials at sea on board Royal Navy platforms or on land. However, please note that the ability to go to sea is not a pre-requisite for the role.

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

Job description

In this job, Dstl is offering you a rare opportunity to work on fast moving near real-time projects co-located with the Royal Navy and at the same time, get involved in longer term research projects using the same analytical skills.  A typical working week, particularly during your secondment, will see you doing a mixture of off-site (Operational Advantage Centre) and on-site (Dstl) work although there is plenty of flexibility in how this split of work is achieved over the year.

During your secondment to the Operational Advantage Centre, as part of (or when sufficiently experienced, leading) a small team of analysts working closely with your Royal Navy colleagues, you will:

• Conduct high impact analysis studies, employing modelling and simulation techniques to provide the scientific basis behind the new tactics the Royal Navy needs to develop to counter emerging threats;
• Help plan, conduct and analyse trials to assess these tactics in the real world and help validate our models. Spending time at sea on Royal Navy and allied platforms supporting trial activities and developing domain understanding is encouraged.
• Rapidly build understanding of the maritime domain and develop strong modelling and simulation skills

When not doing secondment work, you will be working on related projects within the broader Dstl research program, as part of (or when sufficiently experienced, leading) multi-disciplinary technical teams, conducting:

• Analysis and visualisations to assist with evidenced based decision-making at senior levels of government.
• Development and use of innovative analytical models, tools and techniques that take advantage of new advances in science and technology.
• Briefings, technical reports and presentations to customers and the military.
• Development of solutions to allow pertinent information to be delivered rapidly to decision makers allowing them to have an improved situational awareness.

To make sure you are ready for your secondment, it is very likely that successful candidates will spend some dedicated time working in Dstl Portsdown West (or possibly Porton Down) building up experience first.

The role will comprise of a combination of home and office-based working although during secondment to the Operational Advantage Centre, there will be a greater emphasis on office-based working due to the classification of work you will be involved in.

Working at Dstl you will have access to information that very few people will ever see. You will use this information to research/develop the science and technology needed to protect the UK and partner nations from internal and external threats.

Collaboration and teamwork are an important element, working directly with colleagues (Royal Navy and Civilian), industry partners, and wider Dstl subject matter experts, as well as opportunities for international collaboration.

In this role you will:

Off site role (Operational Advantage Centre, HMS COLLINGWOOD)

• Use/develop modelling, simulation and other analytical tools/methods to provide timely, impartial, evidence-based advice to the Operational Advantage Centre and its partners to enable them to make informed decisions in order to improve tactics for ships, aircraft, submarines and Royal Marines in the front line.
• Assist in formulating the most appropriate ways to deliver analytical evidence and advice to the front line.
• Present your work to groups of military colleagues, sometimes at senior levels.
• Have the opportunity to help plan, conduct and analyse trials.
• Work on a dynamic collection of projects, contributing to a team of specialists delivering critical scientific, analytical and technical advice and solutions.
• Develop networks (including through travel) with industry and international allies, always ensuring we continue to deliver the technical quality expected of Dstl and maximising the value of our analysis and research.

On-site role (Dstl Portsdown West/Porton Down)

• Use the same skills but the focus of your work will be more directed towards providing evidence to inform longer term decisions such as development of new capability and concepts for future use in the RN, for example:
• Supporting and leading (when suitably experienced) the delivery of technical work for the RN, leading and working in project teams to deliver high impact advice;
• You will integrate evidence from a range of sources including the Defence Science and Technology Research Portfolio, industry and academia to enable emerging technology and innovation to be adopted by the Royal Navy.
• You will develop and use novel analytical tools and techniques to assist the Royal Navy with their decision-making.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has the following:

• An understanding of (or an interest/passion to work in) the maritime domain. Prior experience would allow you to “get going quickly” but specific maritime knowledge can be developed whilst working at Dstl;
• A grasp of scientific principles (possibly based on academic achievement in operational research, analysis, mathematics, engineering, or physics).
• a strong numerical and analytical background. Some experience in mathematical modelling and/or programming is essential as you will potentially be required to learn and develop new models, tools and decision aids.
• Experience of, or interest in, applying modelling and simulation techniques to analyse problems.
• Experience of, or interest in, computer programming language.
• The ability to work independently and as part of multi-disciplinary and diverse teams across the organisation and potentially more widely and to take responsibility for own output;
• A desire to learn/develop new skills.
• The initiative and confidence to progress new concepts/ideas.
• Good communication skills, both spoken and written.

Technical Skills:

You will be assessed against the essential technical skills listed in this Job Advert.  This will be done primarily through you delivering a short (5min) presentation on how you would approach answering a simple technical problem - this will be followed by a 10min Q&A session with the panel to explore your approach. Preparation should take no longer than 2-3 hours, details will be sent to candidates at least one week ahead of interview.

Essential Qualifications:

• A science based degree OR directly relevant, demonstrable experience.
• Demonstrate ability in analysis, mathematics or other numeric subject.
• Understanding of models and simulation usage with an awareness of the underpinning computer languages

Desirable:

• Good working knowledge of computer programming languages e.g. Python, “R” or MATLAB.

Essential Skills:

• Ability to solve problems using a range of modelling and simulation techniques.
• Time management, able to complete tasks effectively within the allocated time.
• Good communication skills, both spoken and written.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of a range of scientific analysis tools and techniques e.g. wargaming, statistical analysis, optimisation techniques.
• Proven track record in technical delivery, particularly when working to tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Knowledge and interest in Defence issues and the Royal Navy.

Essential Experience

• Experience of applying modelling and simulation techniques.
• Experience of computer programming languages, for example Python, R or or Matlab.
• Generation of insights from data through the application of data science techniques.
• Experience of delivering projects.

And at level 6:

• Effectively leading and developing others, maintaining output focus and technical quality.
• A record of the ability to define a problem with a customer, design and structure delivery plans to meet requirements, successfully deliver outputs, and influence a broad range of stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a defence setting; working with MOD.
• Using MOD modelling and Simulation tools.
• Experience of using version control systems for software.
• Experience of designing and delivering trials.
• Experience of completing Verification, Validation and Certification for modelling projects.
• Experience working collaboratively with suppliers or partners.

Desirable Memberships:

Any relevant memberships of societies, associations and professional bodies. e.g. The OR Society.

We are looking to fill 1 x Level 6 and 5 x Level 5/4

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Leadership

Technical skills

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

• Please state which level(s) you are applying for Level 4/5/6
• Technical Skills

Benefits

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: Working options include alternative working patterns, compressed hours and annualised hours.
• At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver innovative science and technology with our partners.
• Flexible working hours: Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Annual leave: A generous annual leave allowance starting at 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: Encouragement and support on charterships, accreditations and access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Paid memberships with 2 relevant bodies/institutions. Employees have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

The information pack can be found attached to the job specification on Civil Service Jobs.

• Additional benefits whilst on secondment:
• Annual off site worker allowance of £2K for 3 years (with possible extension to 4 years)
• Free access to HMS COLLINGWOOD's Sports and Recreation Centre including full size pool, squash courts and comprehensive Gym facilities

Diversity

We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work. These include the following:

• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
• Race, Faith and Culture Network
• Parents and Carer Support Network
• Alternative Working Network
• Gender Equality Network
• New Starters Network
• Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page

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.

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 from the 10th-21st July with the first interviews being held from the 24th July and into August.

You will be assessed against the essential technical skills listed in this Job Advert.  This will be done primarily through you delivering a short (5min) presentation on how you would approach answering a simple technical problem - this will be followed by a 10min Q&A session with the panel to explore your approach. Preparation should take no longer than 2-3 hours, details will be sent to candidates at least one week ahead of interview.

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.

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