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Become a Dstl graduate

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science inside UK defence and security. We’re responsible for designing, developing and applying the very latest in science and technology to protect the UK through innovation and creativity.

Exciting opportunities

Whatever part of Dstl you join, you’ll become part of unique and complex projects that make a difference - either delivering the science first-hand or providing essential behind-the-science support.

You’ll start your Dstl career in one of 2 ways; onto a graduate scheme or into a specific role.

In the graduate scheme, you’ll spend 2 years experiencing hands-on training on different projects with the potential for an industrial placement abroad.

If you take a specific role, your growth and development will be tailored to that role, empowering you to succeed.

Whichever way you join us, you’ll benefit from working with experienced colleagues as well as each other.

We’ll encourage you to grow through mentorships, chartered programmes and accreditations.

Inclusivity – it’s in our DNA - be yourself at work

All employees are encouraged to be themselves - we want you to feel part of the Dstl community, valued and respected.

From day one, you are welcome to join any of our support networks.

Many of our graduates opt to join STEPS which champions new starters. Our other equality network groups include sexual orientation and gender identity, gender equality, race, faith and culture, disability and neurodiversity. Your manager will support your needs.

What you get out of it

You’ll start to shape your career from day one, with ongoing support through our in-house graduate community as well as:

  • working and learning alongside friendly colleagues who are the best minds from academia, industry and internationally
  • working in our offices to get the most out of your experience as a graduate
  • flexible working hours
  • £27,620 to £30,978 salary
  • 25 days’ leave + 8 bank holidays - increasing to 30 days after 5 years
  • loan to help buy a season ticket or bike and rent deposit salary advance scheme
  • on-site gym and café
  • Defence discount scheme on shopping, holidays and attractions.

We recruit from all STEM disciplines

We mainly look for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) graduates who also have a positive and enthusiastic attitude.

Dstl also offer career paths for project support officers looking to upskill and get into project management.

When to apply

Our graduate vacancies go live on Civil Service Jobs between October and November to start the following year. If you miss the application cycle, you can apply next year instead.

Our graduates in their own words

Hear from some more of our employees about their degrees, career paths and experiences working at Dstl.