Head of Reactor Chemistry

Job Title: Head of Reactor Chemistry

Location: Plymouth, Devon

Compensation: Competitive + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF67956

Lead Innovation in Nuclear Chemistry

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Head of Reactor Chemistry at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As a Head of Reactor Chemistry, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll lead a team of skilled professionals, oversee technical outputs, and act as the authority on reactor chemistry matters. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of nuclear chemistry in a dynamic and high-impact environment.

Day-to-day, you’ll collaborate across departments, influence strategic decisions, and ensure compliance with industry standards - all while contributing to national defence and advancing your career in a role that blends science, leadership, and purpose.

Leading and mentoring a team of chemistry professionals

Acting as technical authority for reactor chemistry and ensuring regulatory compliance

Overseeing departmental outputs and driving continuous improvement

Coordinating documentation and aligning working practices across teams

Managing health and safety processes and acting as appointing manager for accredited work

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.

Essential experience of the Head of Reactor Chemistry

Deep knowledge of reactor chemistry principles and analytical techniques

Familiarity with UKAS laboratory compliance standards

Awareness of financial considerations in laboratory operations

Strong communication and team-building skills across business units

Excellent time management and organisational abilities

Qualifications for the Head of Reactor Chemistry

Formal Management Training

UKAS method validation / uncertainty of measurement training

Level 5 qualification or equivalent in chemistry or related field

DAP and/or ASQEP training

NCC (Nuclear Chemistry Course) or equivalent.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK

What we offer

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance

Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+

Employee share scheme

Employee shopping savings portal

Payment of Professional Fees

Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave

Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.

‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity

Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 29/10/2025

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