Science and Analytical Chemistry

About the programme

Want to dive into a world where science meets engineering? Join our Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme at Babcock and you’ll get to work on critical projects to support the Royal Navy’s fleet.

This exciting two-year programme gives you practical experience working in a variety of innovative scientific departments throughout Babcock. You’ll rotate through various Laboratory Services learning how the different teams operate, and you’ll have the chance to work on both ships and submarines.

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Applications for this programme are currently closed. Register your interest and we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when applications open.

Use our graduate programme finder to discover our open programmes and pinpoint the ones most relevant to your degree. There are so many programmes to explore, and you might be surprised by the number of options open to you.

Looking to start with us in 2026? Register your interest and we’ll make sure you’re first to know when the 2026 programme opens

Graduate programme finder

Science and Analytical Chemistry at Babcock

On our Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme, you will:

Rotate through key areas, spending time working in our main Chemistry facilities, in different laboratory services or across wider dockyard departments.
Develop your laboratory and analytical skills.
Enhance your understanding of radiation and health and safety practices through atmospheric testing of confined space on board vessels.
Support the ongoing safety and efficiency of Babcock’s operations.
Work with new technologies and alongside expert professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive comprehensive training in both the practical and theoretical aspects of chemistry. This includes in-house training on instruments and methods, with a strong focus on safety. The rotational structure of the programme also allows you to experience different facets of laboratory work, from confined space testing to analytical and reactor chemistry.

What you'll need

A BSc (Hons) degree in a Science subject, preferably Chemistry.
A genuine interest in science and chemistry.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Many of our early careers roles are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

What you'll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, you’ll benefit from:

A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
Generous pension and employee share schemes
Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
Employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Graduate Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partner Gen Healthy Minds, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Where you'll be based

Places on our Science and Analytical Chemistry programme for Autumn 2025 are available in our Nuclear sector in Plymouth. We ask our graduates to be flexible as there is the potential to undertake placements in other locations during their programme.

Nuclear - Plymouth

Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

Depending on your programme, your home base could be Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth. However, some of your placements may be at other sites.

Current openings in
Science and Analytical Chemistry

Application guidance

Check out our helpful advice on how to prepare for our application process.

Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible. 