Head of Reactor Chemistry

Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG

Onsite or Hybrid:

Job Title: Head of Reactor Chemistry

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

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 ().

• 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.

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.