Fire & Explosion Scientist (B5/EO)

Health and Safety Executive

Buxton, East Midlands (England), SK17 9JN

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.

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.

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

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

We Invest In Our People With

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), 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/

Sift information

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 under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.

Further Information

Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months. There is no guarantee you will be offered a role from our reserve lists, so if you see a vacancy on Civil Service Jobs that you are interested in, we recommend you apply.

HSE reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within HSE. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.

From 23rd June 2025, if you are successful at interview, as part of your pre-employment checks, HSE’s Recruitment Team are required to check your details against the Internal Fraud Hub (IFH), using your personal details – name, NINO, and date of birth. If you are included on the database, you will be refused employment . If you believe that there has been an error in the inclusion of your data and wish to make an appeal, please contact the CO email box [email protected] .

Details of the types of internal fraud/dishonesty covered by this process are defined by the Cabinet Office and can be found here Internal Fraud Register privacy notice - GOV.UK

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.

Progression through pay ranges is subject to annual pay awards as permitted within annual Civil Service pay remit guidance and negotiations with trade unions.

HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.

If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: [email protected]

If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.

Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further;

Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

Name : Edwina de Lewandowicz
Email : ***email_hidden***

Recruitment team

Email : [email protected]

Further information

If you believe that Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition have not been met, you can raise a complaint by emailing: [email protected] or by writing to HSE at the following address:

HR Resourcing Team, 2.3 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact Civil Service commissioners:

https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/civilservicecodecomplaints/