View Vacancy - Support Officer - Research Councils UK USA

This is a unique opportunity to support the Research Councils team in the British Embassy. The role offers the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of international science policy and to help build relationships with key UK and US research funders.

• The Research Councils UK (RCUK) team is based in the British Embassy in Washington. RCUK’s objective is to deepen and strengthen UK engagement with US funding agencies and foundations to deliver a step change in US-UK research collaboration. For information on RCUK and the UK Research Councils see: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/
• The RCUK USA team work closely with the Embassy’s Science & Innovation Network (SIN) team. SIN builds links between UK universities and research groups in the US, and shares information on science and innovation policy. It has a network across the USA, including a team in Washington.
• The Support Officer will be a key member of the RCUK team of three. They will contribute to activities to promote high quality research collaborations between the UK and US and to raise the profile of RCUK in the US. The Support Manager will also work with the SIN team on specific activities, including UK science communication and promotion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-          Promote UK-US research and science policy via appropriate established channels, (including social media and quarterly newsletters) as well as finding novel ways to raise the profile of RCUK US to our US and UK stakeholders.

-          Support the Director and Deputy Director with the development and delivery of activities and events to achieve RCUK’s objectives in the US. Arrange meetings for Director and Deputy Director to meet with key stakeholders.

-          Plan and support RCUK events, including receptions, workshops, etc.

-          Contribute to visit programmes for Research Council officials and other key stakeholders by arranging meetings, preparing briefings, and providing logistical support.

-          Monitor RCUK activities and contacts.

-          Attend and report on internal and external meetings and events, including NSF and other funders’ advisory boards and selected congressional hearings.

-          Help build and maintain networks with senior UK and US partners to facilitate collaborative activities and visits.

• 3-5 years experience in a fast-paced team environment
• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific issues in a clear and succinct manner.
• Previous professional experience in the university or research field is preferred.
• An understanding or ability to develop an understanding of the scientific research funding landscape in the US, university research, and the work of the UK’s Research Councils.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a conscientious, reliable member of a team
• A strong ability to work on own initiative with little supervision, to self-direct work and review progress against targets
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with a proven ability to multi-task and prioritise workloads to meet deadlines
• General PC skills, including a good working knowledge of MS Office packages (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, Outlook), and Internet
• Experience using social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter) in a professional setting is preferred.

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.  The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas.