Academic Engagement Adviser

The Government Office for Science works at the heart of Government, ensuring policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking. It's an exciting time to join the organisation; we have outstanding and high-profile positions providing you an opportunity to inform and influence policy-making and the systems for use of science and engineering across government. If you are highly motivated and looking for your next career challenge we want to hear from you.

Our mission is:

1. Science advice mechanisms that are efficient, effective, speak truth to power and are embedded irreversibly in Government systems.
2. Visible impact through both pro-active and demand-led science advice that is relevant, excellent, and delivered fit for purpose.

Further information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-office-for-science

We strongly believe diversity of experience, thought, perspectives, skills, and background makes us a more innovative, welcoming Department, thus making better decisions and better delivering our objectives. We are actively seeking applications from every part of the community and particularly welcome applications from candidates of any age, background, disability, or from an ethnic minority background and any other protected characteristics. This will help us move to a workforce that reflects the people we serve to deliver better policies.

We are a friendly, inclusive team and emphasise personal development. We will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided adjustments to participate in the job application and interview process. We support your wellbeing by putting flexible working at the heart of our offer.; if successful, you will be able to discuss working arrangements with your new manager.

We maintain an internal surge capability of staff who may be called at short notice to support an activation of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). Training and support will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to develop crisis management skills.

Please note

Former DSIT recruitment campaigns are continuing as usual, but candidates should be aware that following the Governments announcement on the changes to some civil service departments, roles will be subject to the machinery of government moves and will ultimately be in one of the new departments. We will provide more information if you are selected for a role. This work remains of high importance to the civil service, and we thank you for your continued interest.

Are you passionate about improving how government works with academia?

The Government Office for Science is recruiting an Academic Engagement Adviser to support delivery of a growing programme of work that helps civil servants access and use academic expertise. You will work across government to deliver engagement activity, develop practical tools and resources, support departmental capability and help shape the future of academic engagement across government.

This role would suit candidates with experience at the interface of policy, academia, use of evidence and knowledge mobilisation

The Academic Engagement team works across government to improve how civil servants engage with academic expertise, supporting better evidence-informed decision making. Our vision is to embed academic engagement as a core government skill and increase awareness of its value across departments. As demand for academic engagement continues to grow, the team is moving towards a more flexible delivery model that focuses on creating scalable tools, resources and services which can support departments across government.

This role offers the opportunity to work across the full Academic Engagement portfolio, combining delivery of high-quality engagement activity with shaping and improving the team's wider offer. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across government as well as a wide range of external stakeholders, including UPEN, National Academies and university knowledge exchange units.

Highlights of the teams current work includes:

• Launching the new Academic Engagement Toolkit - GOV.UK

You will:

• Lead delivery of a portfolio of academic engagement activity, including workshops, guidance, tools and departmental support. Early work will focus on delivering sessions across government on the Academic Engagement Toolkit.