View Vacancy - Senior Science & Innovation Officer
The Senior Science and Innovation (S&I) Officer, based at the British Consulate-General, Atlanta, is a key role in the UK’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN), a global UK government initiative to ensure that the UK benefits from high-quality relationships on science and innovation with 28 countries around the world.
The objectives of the global S&I network are:
- Influence science and innovation policies of governments, industry and academia to benefit the UK
- Improve UK policy based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges
- Stimulate strategic science collaborations to benefit the UK and deliver wider policy goals
- Harness international technology partnerships and investment to grow UK innovation capabilities
The Senior S&I Officer in Atlanta is a member of the 14-person SIN team in the US, and reports to the Regional Director, Science and Innovation (Boston-based). The role-holder will be the sole S&I officer covering the Atlanta and Miami Consulate districts, working closely with Consulate teams (Consuls General, Trade & Investment, Press & Public Affairs), as well as with the SIN team across the US, to identify opportunities within the region. More information on the SIN team in the US can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/uk-science-and-innovation-network-in-the-usa.
The core objective of this position is to represent the UK’s science and innovation interests in the Atlanta and Miami Consulate districts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Cultivating a strong understanding of S&I within the patch in order to proactively seek and stimulate opportunities for high-value collaboration to benefit the UK
- Responsibility for influencing and promoting UK interests as they pertain to a broad range of S&I sectors and topics (e.g. engineering, life sciences, energy, climate, innovation) across the southeast USA;
- Providing accurate and detailed information on policy, best practice and horizon-scanning in science, technology and innovation to inform UK stakeholders;
- Compiling and contributing to reports and briefs for UK stakeholders, including: Senior UK scientists, learned societies, UK policy makers, Government Ministers and Parliament;
- Managing projects and providing high-quality support for incoming UK visitors relating to science and innovation (e.g. Government ministers, senior Departmental officials, representatives from science/innovation funding agencies, universities);
- Contributing to broader British Consulate-General and SIN US initiatives and programmes in support of UK prosperity.
- Self-starter with excellent organisational skills and a proven ability to work independently with little guidance and oversight in a fast-paced environment;
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills, able to produce clear, concise reports, and to present complex concepts to non-expert audiences;
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop a wide range of high-level contacts within academia, industry, government;
- Reliable, positive and effective team player with a track record working in multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams and delivering results through collaboration;
- Bachelor’s Degree in science or related field;
- At least 6-8 years experience in a science, innovation or related field; fewer years of experience will be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience;
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for science, emerging technologies, science policy and the internationalisation of science;
Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.
*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts.
- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD level) preferred;
- Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.
The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
The salary for this position is $55,640 annualized. Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment.
Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted by 5 May 2016. Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Consulate. Internal candidates must gain approval from their line manager before applying.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Consulate is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other category protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
