DNO-SSPAG Nuclear Strategic Assessments, Senior Studies Analyst

Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

SSPAG is part of the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO). SSPAG’s role is to help assure the effectiveness of the Nuclear Deterrent. We do this through a programme of patrol Security analysis, assessments and audits of key capabilities and operations. Our assessments and analysis are central to senior decision making within the Ministry of Defence. In SSPAG you will be at the heart of real Defence issues, delivering against one of the Department’s top priorities, in a high-profile area which is rarely out of the news.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

This role is based in the SSPAG Strategic Assessments team. We undertake simulation modelling, operational analysis and technical studies in support of the UK submarine fleet.

You will use, understand and develop our suite of bespoke software tools to conduct analysis relating to submarine performance to support both current operations and future procurement decisions.

You will have responsibility for all aspects of these studies from their initial inception and design through to briefing submarine operators and senior staff. The outputs of your work will be used to provide assurance that UK submarines remain safe, secure and effective.

You will need to apply a wide range of techniques, including:

• creation and use of bespoke numerical models using MATLAB, Python and Fortran;
• application of scientific knowledge to develop solutions to unfamiliar problems;
• signal processing and signal detection;
• operational analysis;
• analysis of ocean environments;
• analysis of submarine capabilities;
• geospatial analysis.

You will have line management responsibility for one HEO. You will be expected to use your own initiative and technical experience to develop solutions. The team will provide close support as you become established and improve your understanding of the operational context.

Person specification

We are looking for someone with a strong scientific or technical background who has some experience in numerical modelling, operational analysis, simulation or computational analysis, and an interest in the underwater domain. Due to the diversity of technical knowledge required for this role, it is essential that you can assimilate information covering a broad range of topics and learn new skills with limited supervision.

Mandatory Requirements:

The candidate must have:

• A degree (or equivalent) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subject or other highly numerate subject;
• Experience in programming in any widely-used programming language, e.g. Python, Matlab, C++, Fortran;
• Experience of conducting operational analysis, numerical modelling or simulation;
• Experience of solving complex technical problems;
• Experience in statistical analysis of data;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to succinctly convey complex information to a varied audience and to deal with stakeholders at all levels both within and outside the organisation.

Desirable Skills

• A higher degree (e.g. MSc, Meng, PhD or equivalent) in a STEM or other highly numerate subject;
• Experience in leading technical or scientific work related to the underwater domain;
• Experience in signal processing;
• Experience in leading technical or scientific work related to acoustics or vibration;
• Knowledge of submarine engineering;
• Knowledge of naval operations.

Due to the sensitive information handled by this post, candidates must be Sole UK Nationals Only to apply.

*The work location in London is located in the basement level with no lift access or windows*

Qualifications

A degree (or equivalent) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subject or other highly numerate subjects

Behaviours

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

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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes

£13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:
• Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• (Automatically filled when submitting)
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• On-site Gym
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery

Hybrid Working:

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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.

Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.

Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview.

Candidates will be required to complete an online CV that includes job history, a list of relevant qualification details, and details of relevant previous skills and experience. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (500 Word count)

At sift, Candidates will be assessed against their CV, Statement of suitability and the following:

• Making Effective Decisisons
• Leadership
• Communicating & Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Please note: If a large number of application are received, the initial sift will be based on "Leadership" only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

If successful in the sift, you will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

At interview, you will be asked questions that assess the following:

• Making Effective Decisisons
• Leadership
• Communicating & Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical Skills:

• Understanding of physics
• Understanding of statistics
• Understanding of programming
• Your technical experience.

The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the requirements invited to interview.

Interviews will be conducted face to face in MoD Main Building, London, SW1A 2HB.

Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful, in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.

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 s