This makes the CSD a crucial work area for translating research into evidence for policy, creating that link between science and real-world action. These roles are an excellent opportunity to help put science at the heart of Defra policies and to champion science and scientists more widely across Defra Group.

As part of this campaign we are seeking 2 Senior Scientific Advisers, with experience of working in science and an interest in putting that knowledge towards real-world problems, to join the CSD. As part of this recruitment drive, we are also looking to make a reserve list of candidates who, if they meet our criteria, may be offered other roles in science in Defra.

If you are interested in applying to one of these roles, and finding out what it’s like to be a scientist in Defra, then please join us for an informative webinar on Tues 6th Oct, 13.30 - 14.00. Please sign up to the webinar via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/science-careers-in-defra-applicant-information-session-tickets-2002198338127

Person Specification

You’ll work in one of the two roles outlined below. Both roles have similar functions as part of the overall scientific strategy work that is undertaken within the department. If you’re interested in capability building, innovation in research and Government Science then these roles would suit you well.

For either role you will be working across both internal and external stakeholders such as universities, UKRI, learned societies, research institutes and governmental Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs).

Role 1: Research and Development Fellowship Programme Co-ordinator

This role will lead the delivery and strategic development of the Defra R&D Fellowship Programme, ensuring it contributes to a more agile, responsive, trusted and porous evidence system. The R&D Fellowship Programme brings early- to mid-career scientists from academia and industry into Defra to give them experience working in a policy-focused environment whilst delivering a priority R&D project. The post holder will develop routes for the movement of people, ideas, methods and innovation across sectors, while ensuring programme activity is aligned with Defra priorities, wider government science ambitions and emerging evidence needs.

This role would suit someone with experience in fellowships, secondments or similar talent development schemes. An understanding of government R&D reporting, Frascati principles and research commissioning/evidence assurance would be advantageous.

Role 2: External Advice Co-ordinator

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in strengthening how Defra accesses, commissions and uses independent expert advice. Working within the External Advice Team, you’ll lead the secretariat function for Defra’s Science Advisory Council (SAC) and its subgroups, support the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) in accessing expert evidence, and help shape Defra's future approach to bringing expertise into the department. You’ll be working at the centre of Defra's evidence governance landscape, working across policy, analysis and science communities, senior leaders, Ministers' offices, external experts, academia and partners across government. You’ll be given significant responsibility for improving services, developing new approaches, and ensuring that expert advice can be accessed rapidly and effectively to support priority and emerging Defra challenges.

This role would suit someone with experience of supporting boards, committees or governance groups. Previous knowledge of managing public appointments, recruitment and external networking would also be advantageous.

Essential criteria

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience in a science or engineering discipline.
• Leadership Experience: You will need to demonstrate both an understanding of scientific leadership (i.e. how evidence, R&D, innovation and external expertise support policy, delivery and organisational resilience) and programme leadership (managing complex programmes or portfolios with multiple stakeholders, governance requirements and delivery milestones).
• Partnership development: You will need to demonstrate an ability to build productive relationships across organisational boundaries, such as with academia, research organisations, ALBs, government departments or industry.
• Prioritisation and alignment: You must demonstrate an ability to align your work with organisational priorities, understanding the expectations of senior leaders and anticipating future needs.
• Communication and influencing: experience briefing senior leaders, influencing stakeholders and communicating complex evidence or programme issues clearly.
• Delivery at pace: strong organisational skills, with the ability to work through ambiguity and deliver high-quality outputs against competing deadlines.

Candidates will be assessed on their previous experience and technical skills at the application stage, and the behaviours of Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace and Working Together at the interview stage.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in a science, engineering or related subject, or equivalent experience

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• What area of science/engineering is your postgraduate qualification/equivalent experience in?

Salary

Alongside your salary of £44,052, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £12,761 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28