Reporting to the Head of Policy within UKRI-BBSRC’s Policy, Strategy and Evidence (PSE) domain, you will be responsible for progressing various biosciences policy-related activities within the team, including leading on or otherwise supporting specific cross-cutting policies. For example, you will support the Head of Policy on the strategic management of key policy areas such as Use of Animals in Research, Genetic Technologies and Research Integrity.
This role also includes contributing to the key function of developing and drafting BBSRC and/or wider UKRI responses to external consultations and inquiries in a strategic context. You will also analyse and communicate the outcomes from such activities within BBSRC (and wider UKRI, as relevant), as well as the wider policy environment in which BBSRC operates.
You will also contribute to broader PSE domain and BBSRC office-wide activities as required, towards the successful delivery of UKRI’s mission and objectives.
Strategic bioscience policy management:
- Working with the Head of Policy on strategic management of specific cross-cutting biosciences-relevant policies including: Genetic Technologies; Research Reproducibility; Research Integrity; Access & Benefits Sharing/Convention on Biodiversity; EU Exit
- Acting as day-to-day lead for BBSRC’s Use of Animal in Research policy
- Working with the Head of Policy on managing Research Integrity-related policy
- Ensuring that BBSRC’s wider external policy environment is monitored and analysed proactively, so that BBSRC is fully informed of its operating environment for biosciences-relevant policy, including taking a strategic approach for potential opportunities and risks for biosciences policy and/or strategy management and development
- Providing biosciences-relevant policy intelligence, analysis and advice across BBSRC, and UKRI more widely
- Developing or coordinating, with appropriate strategic insight, briefings and papers on biosciences-related policy issues, including presenting or explaining policies to BBSRC’s strategic advisory bodies, and UKRI cross-council groups, as required
- Working proactively with the Head of Policy to ensure that BBSRC’s biosciences-related policies are fit-for-purpose and policy/position statements are up to date, developing or re-drafting as necessary.
Consultations, Inquiries and briefings:
- Contributing to or leading on drafting of BBSRC’s inputs for formal UKRI responses to parliamentary inquiries and other consultations, including developing briefing packs for parliamentary evidence sessions and maintaining records of submissions
- Working as part of the policy team on day-to-day management of other information requests to BBSRC, including drafting of BBSRC responses
- Proactive awareness of current and forthcoming consultations, inquiries and White Papers, etc., determining strategic relevance to BBSRC and providing strategic analysis as required.
Policy support activities:
- Developing and undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative analyses as needed to support policy management and development
- Contributing to the regular policy ‘round-up’ bulletin produced by the team
- Maintaining an awareness of wider strategies and policies that are relevant to, or may impact on, biosciences policies
- Participating in cross-office projects and teams when required to facilitate alignment of biosciences policies with BBSRC’s and/or UKRI’s policy and strategy-related activities
- Representing PSE and BBSRC on working groups and projects, and at internal and external meetings and events, including deputising for the Head of Policy, where required
- Contributing to other activities as required to ensure successful delivery of BBSRC and UKRI vision, mission and objectives.
Organization Description
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.
Funded by Government, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Please visit our website for further information and to apply online.