Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the UK government body that provides science and technology for defence and security, including data science and AI.

About Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)

Dstl is part of the Ministry of Defence. It describes itself as providing "the science inside UK defence and security", giving the government specialist science, technology, research and analysis. Its work includes data science, as shown by its data scientist degree apprenticeship.

Its stated values are innovation, collaboration and impact. It does not publish a separate AI mission on the pages we read.

Dstl is a UK government organisation with nearly 4,000 permanent staff (as at 2021). A data scientist apprenticeship listing named Fareham, Salisbury and Newcastle upon Tyne as locations.

The sources do not describe the culture in detail. Dstl says it looks for people who share its values and can drive the organisation forward. Many roles need security clearance, so ask about eligibility early.

Dstl runs graduate programmes, industrial placements, summer placements and apprenticeships. In 2021 it quoted graduate pay of £22,000 to £27,000, placements at £17,500 pro-rated, and first-year apprenticeship pay of £14,358 to £27,010 depending on level (as at 2021). Check Civil Service Jobs for current vacancies and pay.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Research and advice for UK defence and security.', 'title': 'Defence science'}
• {'desc': 'Analysis and AI methods for defence problems.', 'title': 'Data science'}
• {'desc': 'Graduate, placement and apprenticeship routes.', 'title': 'Early careers'}

Key facts

• Nearly 4,000 permanent staff (as at 2021)
• Two-year graduate programmes (as at 2021)
• Apprentices at several levels, including a data scientist degree apprenticeship
• Vacancies advertised on Civil Service Jobs

Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory