Fire & Explosion Scientist (B5/EO)

This early career engineer or scientist role is based within the Explosive Atmospheres Team at HSEs 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 teams 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 teams 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 teams 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 practicalacademic 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.