Skills

Communication Research Robotics

Job Specifications

Job Details

Location

Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

About The Job

Job summary

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is seeking subject matter experts to support the National Technology Adviser (NTA) and Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) in delivering high-impact scientific and technical advice.

You will work flexibly, providing rapid, high-quality input into policy development, conducting bespoke research projects, and helping inform the UK’s science and technology agenda. The role involves direct engagement with ministers, senior officials, and external stakeholders.

Applicants must have a strong technical background in academia or industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities. We are seeking applicants with expertise in advanced connectivity technology & telecoms; AI & robotics; data & cybersecurity; engineering biology; online security & harms; quantum; research and innovation systems; semiconductors; technology innovation & innovative regulation.

Job Description

Embedded Experts will work in an advisory capacity to support the NTA and CSA with scientific and technical advice. They will engage directly with topic areas and policy teams across DSIT and in some cases across Government.

Key Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

Providing technical advice and input to a wide range of DSIT and government policy areas, working flexibly across projects at pace.
Carrying out bespoke projects on behalf of the NTA and CSA to augment DSIT’s evidence base and understanding of complex issues
Building internal and external. stakeholder relationships that support informed evidence, technical advice and policy development.
Supporting the NTA and CSA to provide technical advice and a range of perspectives to advises ministers and senior officials.

This opportunity is offered for a period between 9-18 months (subject to agreement) and will require a minimum time commitment of 2-3 days a week (full time available).

The embedded experts will form part of the National Technology Adviser (NTA) and DSIT’s Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA)’s team. We are a lean team of private office and technical staff who support the Department and wider government on its scientific and technical priorities.

Dr Dave Smith, the NTA, is the primary adviser on technology and private sector/industry R&D for DSIT and across government. He advises the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet on the best approach to building and enhancing the UK’s technology strengths. His role includes working across government to champion the science and technology industries, in addition to building networks across industry to draw the best minds into policy making.

Professor Chris Johnson is the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) in DSIT. He is responsible for providing scientific and technical advice on departmental policy areas, external engagement with the scientific research community, departmental scientific and technical expertise (including the Government Science & Engineering (GSE) profession) and departmental Areas of Research Interest (ARI).

Person specification

Essential

Deep subject matter technical expertise and proven networks in your field
Experience of working in a technical position in academia or industry
Ability to manage conflicting priorities under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities
Ability to develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to follow process and seek appropriate guidance where required

Desired

Experience engaging with policymakers and the policy making process

Expertise Sought

We would particularly welcome applications from those with expertise in:

Online Security & Harms
Technology Innovation & Innovative Regulation
Quantum
Engineering Biology
Semiconductors
Data & Cybersecurity
Advanced Connectivity Technology & Telecoms
AI & Robotics
Research and Innovation Systems

Benefits

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
A hybrid office/home based working model where staff will spend a norm of 40-60% of their time in the office (minimum of 40%) over a month with flex dependent on balancing business and individual need.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a CV (2-pages max) and a 750 word personal

About the Company

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