View Vacancy - Senior Science & Innovation Officer (Emerging Tech)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Science and Innovation

Main purpose of job:

The Senior Science and Innovation (S&I) Officer (Emerging Technology), based at the British Consulate-General, San Francisco, is part of a network of S&I officers throughout the US co-ordinated by the British Embassy in Washington, DC. The role-holder will be one of a local team of two S&I officers, reporting directly to the network’s Deputy Director (also based in San Francisco), working closely with Consulate teams (Consul General/Tech Envoy, Deputy Consul General, Energy and Environment, Tech Policy, Trade & Investment, and Press & Public Affairs), as well as with the SIN team across the US, to identify and create 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 San Francisco Consulate district, which covers Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. This role has a focus on the thematic area of emerging technology, including in the health and life sciences sector.


The objectives of the S&I network are to:

  • Influence the science and innovation policies of US government bodies, industry and academia to benefit the UK;
  • Inform UK government policy related to science and innovation, based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges in the US;
  • Stimulate strategic science collaborations to benefit the UK and deliver wider policy goals;
  • Harness international technology partnerships and investment to the benefit of UK and global prosperity.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

  • 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 across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, with particular regard for emerging technologies such as next generation AI, Quantum tech, and upcoming health tech;
  • 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, visits and events (virtual and physical) relating to science and innovation (including organising meetings and visits for 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 interests, including the management of consular crises.

Essential Qualifications:

  • 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; advanced degree (Masters or PhD level) preferred;
  • At least 5 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;
  • Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.


Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.  All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. 
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

25 January 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
San Francisco
British Consulate
1
USD
78,090
8 March 2021

  • Opportunities for relevant training and development will be available, and tailored to the needs of the successful candidate, including opportunities to gain familiarity with the UK science and innovation ecosystem.

The Consulate encourages flexible working, subject to operational requirements. The ability to work remotely is essential due to the current measures designed to tackle the pandemic (IT will be provided); our posture is led by the local authorities, and the Consulate offices are open whenever possible, with appropriate Covid measures taken. The core hours are 0930 to 1500 and the roleholder will be expected to be available during these hours and structure their 40-hour working week appropriately, taking account of any necessary (but infrequent) meetings and events outside these hours.


The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance. 


Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.


Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.


Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
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 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, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.


Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.