Government launches £200k+ packages in recruitment drive for scientific advisers
The UK government has launched a recruitment campaign targeting scientific experts for high-profile advisory roles, offering lucrative salaries and the chance to influence policy at the highest levels of government.
Lucrative salary packages
The recruitment drive features some of the most attractive compensation packages ever offered for government scientific positions. According to a government statement and salary data, Chief Scientific Adviser roles can command salaries up to £140,000 per year.
However, back in 2022, recruitment campaigns were offering higher salaries, with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser position advertised at £180,000-£200,000 for Sir Patrick Vallance’s successor.
Unprecedented opportunities available
The government is advertising several high-profile roles that 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, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, 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.”
Two career pathways
The recruitment campaign offers two main types of positions:
Chief Scientific Adviser roles
These are full-time positions directly employed by government departments or arm’s-length bodies, typically requiring a minimum of four days per week for at least three years. CSAs “provide independent science advice to ministers and departments, lead their department’s science systems, and contribute to evidence-based decision making”.
Scientific Advisory Committee positions
These part-time roles allow experts to maintain their existing careers while contributing to government policy. SACs “help government departments access, interpret and understand the full range of relevant scientific information, and to make judgements about its relevance, potential and application”.
Candidates sought
The government is seeking individuals with strong scientific and engineering backgrounds who are passionate about applying their expertise to real-world challenges. For CSA roles, candidates should have a desire to transition into government service, while SAC positions are designed for those who wish to influence policy without leaving academia.
Diversity and inclusion
The Civil Service said the recruitment drive is supporting the broader Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2022-2025.
More vacancies and application process
Multiple departments are actively recruiting, with vacancies regularly updated on the government’s official recruitment pages. For CSA positions, applications are processed through Civil Service Jobs, while SAC memberships are typically filled through public appointments advertised on the government’s public appointments portal.
Applications for current vacancies can be found through the government’s official recruitment channels, with new positions being advertised regularly.