View Vacancy – Senior Science and Innovation Officer (New York / SIN)

Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in New York has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the UK’s global Science & Innovation Network (SIN) as the Senior Science and Innovation Officer. This is a rewarding role that supports and further develops the strong and enduring relationship between the UK and the US, ensuring the UK continues to be the partner of choice on science and innovation for US organisations. SIN plays a fundamental role in catalysing research collaborations on three areas critical to UK: responsible development of emerging technologies, biosecurity and global health, and science and technology geared to enabling climate action, in addition to research security and supporting R&D and innovation to underpin economic growth and prosperity in the UK.

The UK enjoys a reputation of being home to a world class science enterprise and a leading technology and innovation ecosystem. Collaboration with the US, our crucial research partner, is important to maintaining and growing this position. The New York-based Senior Science and Innovation Officer is part of a network of S&I officers throughout the US co-ordinated by the British Embassy in Washington, DC. 

The core objective of this position is to represent the UK’s science and innovation interests in the New York Consulate district, which covers New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and part of Connecticut. This region has strengths in emerging technologies including AI, semiconductors, and climate tech. This role will also co-lead SIN’s crucial cross US work on R&D investment, tech transfer and scale up of science, and “place-based innovation” under our National Innovation Systems program. 

The job holder would report directly to the network’s East Coast Director (based in Boston), working closely with Consulate teams (the Consul General, Deputy Consul General, and Press, Politics & Public Affairs), as well as with the SIN and Policy teams across the US, to identify and create opportunities for the UK. They will link closely with colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade including technology, clean energy and capital investment teams, as well as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC), particularly in supporting R&D investment and more generally foreign direct investment opportunities into the UK.

The objectives of SIN in the US are to:

• Project UK science, technology and innovation excellence and leadership to our US partners
• Inform the UK government on emerging issues, opportunities and developments in science and technology to shape UK policy
• Enable and stimulate science, technology and innovation collaborations with the US of value to the UK

The ideal candidate will:

• Have proven research and analytical experience, capable of ranging across a variety of topics;
• Demonstrate the ability to broker/catalyse partnerships and collaborations;
• Show strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Be committed and enthusiastic about the role of science in policymaking, science diplomacy, and its increasing role in international affairs.

In this role, you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats, and country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the US. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility, which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats, and country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the US. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Cultivating a strong understanding of S&I strengths across the New York Consular region in order to proactively seek and stimulate opportunities for high-value collaboration to benefit the UK;
• Co-lead SIN’s work across the US on the crucial National Innovation Systems programme, working with colleagues in trade teams to identify opportunities for US investment into the UK R&D ecosystem, and potential opportunities for region-region research and innovation partnerships between the UK and US;
• Responsibility for influencing and promoting UK interests as they pertain to a broad range of S&I sectors and topics across the New York region, with particular regard for SIN’s priority areas: emerging technologies such as next generation AI, quantum tech, and engineering biology; climate science, energy research and cleantech; and biosecurity and global health;
• Providing accurate and detailed information on policy, best practice and horizon-scanning in science, technology and innovation to inform the UK government and other partners;
• 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.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

This role does not manage any staff but will regularly have to manage resources adding up to tens of thousands of dollars. 

• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials;
• Excellent (and demonstrable) written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences;
• Thorough understanding of US science and innovation policy, including an appreciation of business and investment ecosystems, experience working with universities and other research enterprises, as well as a comprehension of how the US government operates;
• Highly motivated, organised, and resourceful;
• Effective team player with strong management and proven leadership skills;
• Reliable, positive and flexible to new situations and ways of working;
• At least 4-6 years of experience in a science, innovation, or related field from an academic, government, or corporate background. Fewer years of experience would be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

Please note: 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, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form.