Operational Research Trainee

Do you want to learn how to apply Operational Research, including but not limited to, simulation modelling, business statistics, machine learning and problem structuring to tasks for UK defence and security?

Do you want to participate in cutting edge research and analysis within the UK Government's defence and security domains?

Are you interested in developing your technical career in an exciting and growing area?

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

We are looking for the right people to join us as aspiring apprentices to help with support to the Ministry of Defence and other government departments with sound evidence-based operational research (aka operational analysis) and decision support advice on capabilities to improve our nation’s ability to counter threats.

Dstl has two divisions looking for Operational Researchers;

Counter Terrorism and Security Division
You will be working on a range of studies and projects that cover multiple capabilities for specialist parts of the Armed Forces in Strategic Command and Army HQ, as well as informing national security for other government departments providing advice on the operational effectiveness against a variety of threats in different scenarios. You will need to use a wide variety of analytical tools and techniques, such as soft systems methodology, multi-criteria decision analysis, process mapping, and systems analysis, facilitation of workshops, user interviews, historical analysis, literature reviews, and work in collaboration with industry & academia as appropriate.

Platform Systems Division
Dstl’s Land Analysis Group supports the Army, the Ministry of Defence and wider Government through the delivery of impartial evidence-based studies, ensuring intelligent decision-making is at the heart of UK Defence and Security. You will be part of a team that works with partners in industry, academia and internationally to develop and evaluate exciting new force and system capabilities. Our analysis primarily helps the Army's understanding of future key challenges and informs major equipment investment decisions, therefore enabling informed decision-making regarding the design and procurement of battle-winning equipment and enabling manoeuvre capabilities. Our advice from this research also supports the development of strategic Defence policy and the delivery of wider Government strategy.

Now is an exciting time to join the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) as we look forward to shaping the future by pushing the boundaries on technology advancements and new concepts. Driven by our core values, we are consistent in challenging the norms, embracing diversity and rewarding innovation. When you join us you will be a member of a diverse community of analysts where you will feel motivated by the opportunities to develop your own learning, drive your own career and deliver impactful Science and Technology in the process.

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.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

In this role you will gain exposure to innovative technologies and seek to build an in-depth understanding of how Junior Analysts/Operational Researchers shape the future of defence and security.

We are seeking individuals with experience and/or relevant qualifications from academia, private and public sectors (including the armed forces) to provide analytical advice.

As part of this role you will be expected to complete an Apprenticeship

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship at Dstl?
•    You will be getting years of actual work experience, where you have a say in what you do; there is no one size fits all, you lead your career and we help you get there.
•    You will get a fully funded apprenticeship.
•    You will have a dedicated team of managers and mentors that are there to ensure you get the best possible support you need to progress your career.
•    You will get as much support as you need; be that with the work you do, your studies or settling into Dstl.
•    You will have the ability to pursue additional training courses.
•    You get to work flexibly (when project allows) to suit your needs.
•    Dstl is ranked number 1 in The Job Crowds top employees for apprenticeship in the science and R&D Industry.

Keen to get involved?
As an Operational Research Specialist with Dstl, you will develop skills across the following areas:
•    Operational Research Techniques
•    Simulation Modelling
•    The Operational research Specialist in a modern organisational chart
•    Advanced Spreadsheets and decision support systems
•    Business Statistics and Python
•    Machine Learning and Forecasting
•    Project Management
•    Prescriptive Analytics for decision making
•    Problem Structuring Approaches for Operational research.

In the role alongside the apprenticeship you will also:
•    Provide timely, impartial, evidence-based advice to customers to enable them to make informed decisions.
•    Represent the technical analytical work at customer/stakeholder meetings.
•    Ensure project manager and technical reviewers are informed of progress, risks and issues.
•    Maintain a strategic awareness of customers’ challenges and issues and identifying new opportunities for support.
•    Provide technical advice and direction to industrial and academic partners and suppliers, as required
•    Fullfill the requirements around the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours set out by the course provider – more info can be found here

Technical Skills

Essential Qualifications:

• In order to enroll on the Apprenticeship programme you are expected to have a good Honours Degree from the UK or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification.
• Applicants who hold relevant work experience in place of a formal Honours Degree may be considered (The Univeristy providing the Apprenticeship has final decision on this).
• Applicants also need to hold a GCSE in English and Maths at grade 4 (C grade) or equivalent.

Experience:

you will need:

The drive and potential to make a tangible difference
To want to make a difference in the world of defence
To have the enthusiasm to learn and grow your own development

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

In order to enroll on the Apprenticeship programme you are expected to have a good Honours Degree from the UK or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification.

Applicants also need to hold a GCSE in English and Maths at grade 4 (C grade) or equivalent.

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

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

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together

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: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), 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.
• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
• 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.

Open to UK nationals only.

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