Principle Scientist - Threat Mitigation Technologies
Job Title: Principle Scientist - Threat Mitigation Technologies
Salary: The starting salary is £90,336, which includes allowances totalling £2,928.
The salary is broken down as £87,408 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £96,341 Plus, a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.
Location: Lambeth, Southwark
We’re currently looking for a principle Scientist to lead the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) collaborative Operational Science and Capability Development team, and deliver a complex and varied programme of technical work. As part of the Protective Security Operations (PSO) Command, and within the Threat Mitigation Technologies (TMT) department, the purpose of this ambitious programme is to ensure that the range of scientific and engineering technologies we use remains fit for purpose as the terrorist threat evolves. This is a rare opportunity to apply your scientific expertise in the unique world of counter terrorism policing.
You’ll have a number of core duties. These include:
- Providing scientific advice to operational units regarding threat materials and the available methods for detection, identification and monitoring
- Acting as the technical authority for a range of scientific counter terrorism capabilities
- Providing scientific and technical leadership across TMT’s various functions
- Supporting the continuous professional development of TMT personnel
- Planning and oversight of scientific trials and testing protocols
- Developing and implementing bespoke solutions to complex scientific and engineering problems
- Providing an operational testing capability for new technologies
- Managing significant capital budgets
- You will be expected to work unsocial and extended hours on occasion, and sometimes spend nights away from home, with travel throughout the UK and possibly abroad
When it comes organisational relationships we’ll expect you to:
- Act as the strategic interface between police customers and TMT’s staff
- Act as Technical Authority for the MPS’s explosives detection capabilities
- Represent TMT within the MPS on policy forming and other groups related to the business of the department
- Represent the MPS nationally and internationally at meetings, conferences and policy forming groups as technical lead and subject-matter expert
- Create working relationships with other government agencies with similar requirements
- Lead the MPS’s effort when carrying out collaborative work
- Direct large technical development projects on behalf of the UK Government community of departments and agencies with similar operational requirements
- Be responsible for seeing that strategic health and safety requirements are met for scientific trials
Vetting
This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.
Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.
How to apply
To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply now" button below. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 10th September 2025.
Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. The application review for this vacancy will commence 2 weeks after the closing date.
Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview. Interview dates will commence 6 weeks after the hiring managers review depending on panel availability.