About us:
As part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), 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.
About the role:
Reporting to the Head of Policy within UKRI-BBSRC’s Policy, Strategy and Evidence (PSE) domain, you will be responsible for developing BBSRC’s strategy and capacity to identify, understand and engage with key biosciences stakeholders in long term interactions, working with other teams across BBSRC and in business partnership with the UKRI Communications directorate. A key aim of this role is to enhance BBSRC’s reputation and credibility as part of UKRI with key corporate stakeholders to maximise the social and economic impact of BBSRC’s investments in UK bioscience.The role will include leading on BBSRC’s Public Affairs activities and, ideally, leading our biosciences-specific Science in Society activities, including Public Engagement.
As part of this role, you will also be a member of BBSRC’s Senior Leadership Team and contribute as required to broader PSE domain and BBSRC office-wide activities, to ensure successful delivery of UKRI’s vision, mission and objectives.
For this role you must be willing to travel occasionally within the UK, to attend meetings.
About you:
It is essential that you are educated to degree level or equivalent. It is essential to have experience of working in External Relations, External Affairs and/or Parliamentary/Public Affairs as a professional role. You must have good understanding of best practice and theory in stakeholder management and insight, as well as understanding of the strategic needs and priorities of BBSRC and the interests of its key stakeholders. The right candidate will have a clear interest in the aims and objectives of BBSRC.
It essential that you also have excellent organisational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with good attention to detail. You will have the ability to develop and deliver well-structured and clearly-articulated documents and presentations for internal and external audiences. You will also have strong analytical skills, and experience of commissioning, interpreting, connecting, synthesising and summarising information from a range of sources to identify key themes and opportunities.
Finally, it is essential to be able to think and work creatively to tackle problems and challenges, demonstrating own initiative and judgement within given constraints and asking for and giving help when needed. You will also have the ability to identify and take account of emerging scientific, economic, social, political and environmental trends in your own work, and the work of the team.
What we offer
A flexible working scheme, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance and a number of other benefits.
Applicants are required to include a cover letter and CV outlining their suitability for this role. Applications are handled by UK SBS; to apply please click here. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.