Science and Innovation Policy Advisor

The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking a dynamic Policy Advisor to join the UK’s Science, Innovation and Technology Network. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, enhancing UK-US collaboration in science innovation and technology, working at the forefront of international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.

This role directly contributes to UK and US Governments collaboration on science and technology – an increasingly critical area of our special relationship. The role of the Science and Innovation Policy Adviser is to represent the UK’s interests in science and innovation with Washington DC policymakers and influencers, including federal government departments and agencies, Capitol Hill, universities, policy institutes, think-tanks and foundations, to strengthen US-UK cooperation, support UK economic growth, and provide effective reporting on the science and innovation ecosystem to inform policy making in the UK in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, health, synthetic biology, semiconductors, and space science.

The advisor will be responsible for cultivating partnerships with universities and research institutions. The role holder will also track policy and research developments and identify and develop the areas of most potential for the UK. The Policy Adviser will contribute to relationship building with universities and other research facilities in DC and the Mid-Atlantic region and shape opportunities for US-UK collaboration.

The Policy Advisor, as part of the British diplomatic mission to the United States, will play a pivotal role in advancing UK research and innovation partnerships in the US. Representing UK interests, the advisor will engage with US policymakers, government agencies, Capitol Hill, universities, think tanks, and foundations

The ideal candidate is motivated, organized, and has expertise in science and innovation policy. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, as is the ability to engage with senior officials and the science community. They will be comfortable delivering at pace as part of a high performing team, and have a background in science or technology, with experience working in policy or research. The role requires clear, concise writing, effective presentation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other British Government departments (including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Business and Trade). Familiarity with the US and Washington, DC science and innovation landscape and experience in government, think tanks, academia, or business is preferred.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Promote UK science and innovation interests in the US policy and research arena. Provide intelligence to the UK government on US plans, personnel, and priorities. Enable and support direct UK-US Government engagement. Contribute to influencing policy to support the UK’s interests.
• Lead the science and innovation DC team in areas including (but not limited to) health, synthetic biology and biosecurity and clean energy and to track policy and research developments. In support of this, develop a network in DC, including in government departments and agencies, Capitol Hill, universities, policy institutes, think tanks, and foundations. Identify and develop opportunities in science and technology of potential to the UK.
• Provide high quality support to UK visitors (government ministers, senior departmental officials, representatives from science and innovation funding agencies, and universities) to the US and US delegations visiting the UK. This may include developing a program, briefing (written and verbal), and coordinating logistics.
• Developing and delivering creative ideas for science & innovation policy activities.
• Briefing and speech writing for senior team member including the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and the Minister-Counsellor.
• Perform outreach to universities and other research facilities in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic region to identify and shape opportunities for UK-US collaboration.
• Contribute to broader Embassy initiatives and programmes delivering benefits for the UK, for example the UK government’s growth mission.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the business plan for the Science & Technology Network in the US. Shape and participate in projects to catalyse UK-US collaboration and actively contribute to development of the team's pipeline of future projects.
• Deputise for the Senior Science and Innovation Policy Advisor where necessary.
• Provide oversight of the S&T US Network’s annual programme and travel budget.
• The Policy Advisor will report directly to the Senior Science and Innovation Policy Advisor in the DC team.

Science and Innovation Policy:

• Advocate for UK science and innovation interests in US federal policy through engagement with US government, legislature, think tanks, business, and academia.
• Provide insights to the UK government on US science, innovation, and policy priorities.
• Facilitate UK-US government engagement to influence policies aligned with UK objectives.
• Communicate UK science and innovation policy to US policymakers and key stakeholders in the DC area.
• Engage with universities and research institutes in Washington, DC, and surrounding regions to identify and foster high-potential UK-US collaborations.
• Provide support for UK visitors, including government ministers and officials, and representatives from funding agencies and universities.
• Contribute to broader Embassy initiatives promoting UK prosperity, innovation, and economic growth.
• Work with British Embassy Technology Policy team on aligning UK science, innovation and technology priorities underneath the UK’s Science and Technology Framework.
• External engagement and representation on UK science and innovation priorities.

Project and People Management:

• Support the development of the US Science & Technology Network’s project pipeline, ensuring a dynamic and up to date portfolio.
• Participate in team development with opportunities for corporate leadership roles.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Proven ability to align projects and initiatives with broader foreign policy objectives to drive diplomatic and economic outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders across industry, government, academia, and the science and innovation sectors.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and an evidenced ability to establish effective working relationships with senior figures from industry, government, academia, and the science and innovation community
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and timely reports; deliver effective presentations and reporting to diverse audiences. An ability to convey complex scientific concepts to non-expert audiences.
• Proven ability to analyze complex information and provide clear policy advice to senior stakeholders.
• A demonstrable enthusiasm for science, science policy, and the internationalisation of science, and an awareness and understanding of US science and innovation policy, including the government and congressional landscape.
• Deep understanding of US science and innovation policy, including government and congressional dynamics.
• Experience working in multi-site, multidisciplinary teams, with a track record of collaboration and delivering results through teamwork and collaboration.
• Highly motivated, organized, and resourceful.
• Highly flexible, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and seize new opportunities.
• Excellent organisational skills and a proven ability to work independently to deliver results in an environment of multiple pressures and demands.
• Effective team player with strong programme management skills.
• At least 4-6 years of experience in a science, innovation, or related field from an academic, government, or corporate background. Fewer years of experience would be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline of Science, Technology or Innovation

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Background in science and innovation, particularly experience in or with government, but also with industry, academia, or a relevant organization.
• Familiarity with the Washington, DC science and innovation ecosystem.
• Knowledge and understanding of the UK and the UK science, innovation and technology policy landscape.
• Master’s or other advanced degree in scientific, innovation or technical fields.
• Required behaviours

Application deadline: 25 March 2025 at 11:55 pm EDT

Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week: 40

Location: Washington, D.C., United States

Number of vacancies: 1

Salary: $85,358 yearly

Target Start Date: 19 May 2025

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.