Chief Scientific Adviser (National Security)

The Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security (CSA) leads on advice and delivery of science and technology (S&T) for the three security and intelligence agencies: MI5, SIS (MI6) and GCHQ, with the post reporting to Director GCHQ. This includes overseeing UKICs major S&T transformation effort via the Science, Technology and Engineering Programme (STEP). As a member of the Government Chief Scientific Advisers (GCSA) team, they also provide strategic advice on national security S&T in HMG and the wider national security community. The CSA engages widely with academia, international partners and industry to access and influence the best thinking and innovation to address national security problems. They then use this to both shape and implement HMGs strategic approach to national security S&T. The agenda is driven by the operational and strategic challenges facing us and the post will work in close partnership with colleagues across the agencies. The CSA also provides advice to senior officials and Ministers across HMG and the wider national security community. The new CSA will have broad reach and influence, and will be responsible for:Providing strategic S&T advice to the three intelligence agency heads (Director GCHQ, DG MI5 and C) and working in partnership with their leadership teams. Bringing insight, challenge and support to their thinking on future direction and ensuring decisions are underpinned by robust evidence.Fulfilling the role of Senior Responsible Officer for STEP; UKICs major transformation effort. Bringing S&T to bear on our sharpest problems, by connecting closely into mission, capability and enabling teams across the agencies.Advising on the direction of the agencies organisational strategies, and their collaboration initiatives, particularly in the areas of data, technology and innovation.Develop understanding of the international S&T landscape to help shape UK national security thinking, identify opportunities, and build collaboration with international partners (both government and industry).Supporting, coordinating, and ensuring the coherence of S&T research and development programmes across the community.Sponsoring innovation, including engagement with the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF).Collaborating with international partners (both government and industry partners) on science and technology developments. Overseeing the MI5, SIS, and GCHQ Scientific Advisory Council.Supporting relevant S&T professions across the agencies, being an advocate for staff and supporting their professional development and careers. Helping to ensure that they have the right skills development and have access to the right knowledge and expertise within their departments to help meet departmental S&T linked business objectives.Representing the GCSA and national security science in a range of HMG fora.Providing linkage to, and insight from, world leading research groups, academia and industry and to build an external network of scientific/research expertise, including the most relevant experts from industry and academia.Engage thoroughly with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and the Chief Scientific Advisers network (this cross-government working group is crucial to ensure that scientific advice in government is appropriately communicated and actioned).Aside from SRO responsibilities in relation to STEP, the CSA does not have wider executive responsibilities. The post is a member of all three agencies Boards and participates in governance relevant to the strategic remit of the role. They CSA should also engage thoroughly with GCSA and the CSA Network. This cross-government working group is crucial to ensure that scientific advice in government is appropriately communicated and actioned.