We’re hiring – looking for scientific experts for high-profile roles
Opportunities for scientific experts to join the government and put science advice at the heart of decision making.
The UK government is currently advertising several high-profile roles for scientific experts. These positions offer a unique chance to inform policy and decision making at the highest levels and an opportunity to make a significant impact on national policy.
Professor Dame Angela McLean said:
Looking to use your expertise to put excellent science advice at the heart of decision making? Then consider joining the ranks of science advisers to government. These roles are exciting, challenging and rewarding, so I encourage you to consider applying.
Chief Scientific Adviser roles
Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs) provide independent science advice to ministers and departments, lead their department’s science systems, and contribute to evidence-based decision making. These are positions directly employed by a government department or arm’s-length body, usually for a minimum of 4 days a week and for a period of at least 3 years.
Who should apply
We encourage applications from individuals with:
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Strong scientific and/or engineering backgrounds and expertise
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A passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges
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A desire to move into a government role at the intersection of science and government
Current CSA vacancies
Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils (SACs) positions
SACs help government departments (and their arm’s-length bodies) to access, interpret and understand the full range of relevant scientific information, and to make judgements about its relevance, potential and application. SAC member positions are part-time roles, which vary in terms of minimum time and length requirements. They are conducted at the same time as your existing work activities.
Who should apply
We encourage applications from individuals with:
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Strong scientific and/or engineering backgrounds and subject-matter expertise
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A passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges
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A desire to work in government and closely influence policymaking but without moving away from academia
Current SAC vacancies
If you are interested in joining a SAC, membership is usually through an open public appointment. Opportunities are advertised on the Apply for a public appointment page.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) is currently recruiting members. Find out more on this page.
Diversity and inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more, please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
To find out more about science advisory systems, see our how-to guide for academic engagement with government.
Updates to this page
Published 11 September 2024Last updated 2 December 2024 + show all updates
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The advert for the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been added.
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The advertisement for Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) Members has been added.
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The Home Office Science Advisory Council (HOSAC) advert has been removed due to its expiration.
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Information about the ongoing recruitment for the Home Office Science Advisory Council (HOSAC) has been added.
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FCDO CSA advert removed due to its expiration.
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The advert for the Chief Scientific Adviser in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been reinstated due to the extension of the deadline for applications for the role.
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The link to the FCDO CSA advert has been removed due to its expiration.
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The advert for the Chief Scientific Adviser at GCHQ has been removed due to its expiration.
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The advert for the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Ministry of Defence has been removed due to its expiration.
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The advert for the SCS2 Chief Scientific Adviser in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been added.
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Added in new CSA job advert.
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First published.