View Vacancy - Science and Technology Officer (DEU25.339)

Who are we? 

The British Consulate General in Munich is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and is now looking Science and Technology Officer to join the Science and Technology Network (STN). 

The UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN) is at the forefront of fostering global science partnerships and advancing science diplomacy. STN plays a pivotal role in maintaining the UK's leadership in science, technology, and innovation through international collaboration.

This position is based at the British Consulate in Munich, part of the wider Germany Network, which includes our Embassy in Berlin and a further consulate in Dusseldorf. The role is part of the broader science and technology team for DACH reporting to the DACH Europe Regional Manager based in BE Berlin. The role starts at an exciting time, coming soon after the signing of a historic Bilateral Treaty between the UK and Germany with its heavy focus on enhancing Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation between our two countries. This post holder will also serve as a strategic connector between STN and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), helping to align science and technology policy with commercial priorities that drive investment and export growth.  

As a Network we put our values - kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility - at the heart of all we do. We are inclusive and value diversity and the contributions of all staff. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group but, as women and members of ethnic minority groups are currently underrepresented at this level at post, we would particularly encourage applications from members of these groups.

Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will contribute to science, innovation, and technology policy, with a primary focus on enhancing bilateral collaboration between the UK and Germany. The role is geographically centred on representing the UK Science and Technology Network in Munich and its surrounding regions. 

The postholder will lead the team’s work on Quantum and Space Policy in particular, alongside supporting broader aspects of its work. This position is embedded within the broader UK Consulate in Munich, where technology, trade, and business are key strategic priorities. 

Key Objectives:

• Deliver insights and analysis on emerging trends and opportunities in science, technology, and innovation, with a focus on Munich and the surrounding regions.
• Play a pivotal role in advancing priority policy areas under the UK-Germany Kensington Treaty,
• Lead on Quantum Technologies and Space Policy for Germany and act as a liaison between STN and DBT to ensure science and technology policy is aligned with commercial and trade objectives.

The role requires regular stakeholder engagement across the German government at state and federal level, tech companies, research bodies, science academies, agencies, and other sectors. Plus, regular engagement with and reporting to UK government stakeholders.

You will deliver and further shape the Science & Technology and Germany Networks’ science, technology, and innovation objectives. The role focuses on engagement, delivery, and insight, with responsibilities that may evolve over time. The UK and Germany have recently signed the Kensington Treaty and a Strategic Science and Technology Partnership. You will be instrumental in turbocharging key policy areas of this agreement, while supporting on all its objectives in southern Germany. 

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Driving S&T collaborations: Identifying and realising opportunities for S&T collaboration through implementing the UK’s International Technology Strategy in Germany and the UK-Germany Strategic S&T Partnership.
• Support the British Ambassador and British Consul General: Assist the British Ambassador/BCG in their engagement on science and technology with high-level stakeholders in Munich.
• Network Building: Establish and maintain contacts in government, research organisations, universities and businesses in the UK and Germany to support STN and Network objectives.
• Reporting and analysis: Share regular reports and insights on German science and technology policies, programmes and investments with the STN and Germany networks and key contacts in UK Headquarters.
• Cross Germany Network collaboration: Build productive partnerships with teams across the Network on priority areas for the UK. 
• Visit Coordination: Support ministerial and senior official visits to Munich and surrounding areas by identifying contacts, coordinating meetings, and providing briefings.
• Programme Leadership: Lead bilateral projects, visits, events, and activities to enhance the visibility of UK science excellence and innovation.
• Business Planning: Support annual strategic business plans.
• Commercial Insight and Support: Provide commercial insights and policy advice to DBT, DSIT and other UK government teams to help shape trade and investment strategies in science and technology sectors.  

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Science, Technology, International Relations, or Engineering Degree (or similar);
• Experience of working within science, innovation and/or technology policy within government, academia or private industry;
• Strong knowledge of Munich, Bavarian and Southern Germany Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystems;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a strong and reliable network of external contacts;
• Self-Starter – ability to work well on own initiative;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills;
• Very good IT skills, especially MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.