Fire & Explosion Scientist (B5/EO)

Details
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Reference number

456835

Salary

£31,657 \- £34,570
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28\.97%
GBP

Job grade

Administrative Officer### Contract type

Permanent### Business area

HSE \- Science Division (SD)### Type of role

Engineering

Science### Working pattern

Flexible working, Full\-time, Part\-time### Number of jobs available

1
Contents
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• Location


• About the job


• Benefits


• Things you need to know


• Apply and further information

Buxton, East Midlands (England), SK17 9JNAbout the job
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Job summary

This early career engineer or scientist role is based within the Explosive Atmospheres Team at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton. The team focuses on the safe development of new energy technologies and supporting the transition to net zero, including work on hydrogen for heat \& transport.

The team delivers a wide\-ranging programme of work, including large\-scale outdoor experiments, laboratory\-scale testing, consultancy, and specialist training. This provides opportunities for both hands\-on experimental work and desk\-based technical activity. Several of the team’s larger, ongoing projects are high\-profile collaborations with other scientific organisations, major companies and government departments, offering opportunities to publish research and present findings at conferences.

While energy\-related work forms a major part of the team’s activities, the role is not limited to this area. You will contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects across the health and safety sector, working on both HSE\-led research programmes and projects for commercial clients.

As part of HSE, you may occasionally be required to provide scientific support to incident investigations. Recent investigations have included dust explosions, electrostatic ignition sources, and vapour cloud explosions. This work involves collaborating with HSE inspectors at industrial accident sites across the UK. A typical investigation includes collecting and testing samples and contributing to clear, accurate reports suitable for use in legal proceedings.

To watch a video highlighting some of our test work, please paste the following link into your browser:

HSL's Centre for Large\-Scale Testing and Evaluation

This role can be either full\-time or part\-time. We welcome part\-time applicants who can commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week across four or five days.

Job description

We are seeking a candidate with a relevant qualification who is motivated to work in a creative scientific \& engineering environment, developing practical skills and gaining hands\-on experience as part of our team. You will contribute to the design, construction, and delivery of scientific experiments conducted both indoors and outdoors. These experiments range in scale from laboratory\-based studies to full\-scale trials using outdoor test facilities.

You will join the Explosive Atmospheres Team, which comprises approximately 15 scientists and engineers with a wide range of experience. As a team member, you will be expected to contribute to the effective operation of the group. This may include involvement in the maintenance of team facilities, quality systems, or health, safety, and wellbeing activities, such as supporting the calibration and upkeep of equipment.

You will have the opportunity to develop competence in a range of technical areas specific to the team’s work, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, process design (P\&IDs), process instrumentation, data logging, and combustion physics. The role involves a significant level of problem\-solving and offers the chance to broaden and deepen your technical expertise.

We recognise that the combination of practical research and theoretical knowledge required for this role is relatively niche. As such, we are looking for individuals with an appropriate academic background and a clear aptitude for this blended practical–academic approach, who are keen to develop their skills while working alongside experienced team members.

We sponsor professional memberships and support attendance at relevant continuing professional development (CPD) events. For suitable candidates, we may also support further academic study.

Due to the significant practical elements of the role, you will be expected to work primarily from the laboratory in Buxton. This will, at times, involve outdoor work in all weather conditions.

This role will involve occasional UK travel and overnight stays, as well potential for international travel.

Person specification

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the ability to:Essential Skills and Criteria

• Scientific and analytical problem\-solving skills, with the ability to apply a logical and methodical approach to technical work.


• A measured and responsible approach to working on potentially high hazard activities, diligently following risk assessments, method statements and verbal instruction.


• Well\-developed written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and well\-structured technical reports and documentation.


• Effective verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to both technical and non\-technical audiences.


• Organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.


• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams while also being capable of working independently and taking ownership of assigned tasks.


• A proactive attitude towards learning and continuous professional development.

Licences

Full driving license that permits driving within the UK. However, we are willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants without a licence that would allow them to do the job by other means. If this applies, please answer yes to this question and provide further detail elsewhere.### Qualifications

A minimum of a degree (level 6\) qualification in a relevant subject e.g. aeronautical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics.### Behaviours

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

• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Understanding of fundamental aspects of flammability and explosive atmospheres e.g. flammable gasses or dusts.


• Awareness of the hazards associated with flammable atmospheres, pressure systems and electrical equipment. Awareness of the risk assessment process.

Alongside your salary of £31,657, Health and Safety Executive contributes £9,171 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.* Learning and development tailored to your role

• An environment with flexible working options


• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

• Competitive rates of pay


• Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28\.97% far more than in the private sector


• Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career


• Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture


• 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1\-day Civil Service privilege leave


• Parental leave benefits


• As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E\-Gift Cards, and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed

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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.### Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.Application Information

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a CV that displays your qualifications and any work experience. You will also be asked to complete a personal statement (of no more than 1000 words) which should demonstrate the following:

Present as much evidence as you can demonstrating your knowledge, skills and/or experience that relates to the essential skills and criteria described in the person specification. Use of examples (academic or industrial) are welcomed (see STAR method) that highlight your suitability for the role. A couple of well\-considered examples would be preferable to lists with limited detail.

Application Guidance

• Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement https://www.civil\-service\-careers.gov.uk/how\-to\-apply/

The sift will take place during week commencing 29th June 2026, where you will be assessed on your CV and Personal Statement.

Interview information

Interviews will be held in person at our Buxton site during the week commencing 13th July 2026\. You will be assessed against the advertised behaviour, experience (essential skills and criteria), strengths and technical skills.

Sponsorship

This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship unde

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