Programme title: Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 16 October 2025
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 66841
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 and gas analysis, to metallurgy 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?
This is a two-year programme that’s designed to give you a rich blend of practical learning and professional development. You’ll start with one or two six-month primary placements, followed by shorter, intensive placements lasting two to eight weeks.
Your final rotation will see you in a substantive role in the Reactor Chemistry department for six to eight months, where you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice. In this final placement, you’ll join a shift rota that includes days, backshifts and, depending on project needs, night and weekend work.
Every stage of the programme is carefully designed to develop your expertise and prepare you for a successful scientific career.
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 reactor chemistry training and have access to comprehensive training in radiation science and health and safety best practices.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be guided by a mentor and a supportive line manager, with dedicated support to gain chartered status and achieve your professional milestones.
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.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
- 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.
What do you need to apply?
- You’ll need a BSc (Hons) degree in a Science subject, preferably Analytical Chemistry, or in a related field such as Chemistry or Forensic Science.
- Many of our graduate 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 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.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Science and Analytical Chemistry programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Marine/Nuclear sector in 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.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. 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.
