DfT/685/17/DfTc. Senior Science Adviser

Are you an excellent communicator with the ability to lead a high-profile and strategic portfolio of work?

Do you have a good understanding of science, engineering and technology?

If you answer to these questions is yes, these exciting Senior Science Adviser roles are for you, and we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking for 2 Senior Science Advisers to join our team to lead and deliver an incredibly ambitious portfolio of work.

Our team has a broad portfolio of work that covers the full spectrum of DfT's interests. Recent work has included thinking around autonomous vehicles; low carbon transport, air quality, the future of flight, digital transport and robotic and modular construction.

The core tasks of your role will be to:

• Project manage the 'Future of Mobility' Foresight project: an ambitious Tier 1 project to develop the scenarios and tools to help DfT anticipate and prepare for the future;
• Provide secretariat support for the Science Advisory Council on upcoming topics like Artificial Intelligence. This involves engaging with eminent academics and senior DfT leaders to ensure DfT are aware of and able to use cutting-edge science and technology;
• Support the development a new national Transport Research & Innovation Board. This will be a way to better coordinate research activity across the UK, creating synergies; avoiding duplication; developing large-scale, more ambitious science and research projects and leveraging in funding from across government, academia and industry;
• Assist in liaison help liaise with the UK's research councils, the University Transport Studies Group and the 54 universities working on transport topics in the UK;
• Support ongoing work on data science, air quality and the aging population;
• Support the communications of DO-Science's work with the rest of DfT and beyond;
• Help DO-Science respond to emerging issues and departmental concerns.

About you

You will have a higher degree in STEM or related sciences, with demonstrable experience of working with multiple stakeholders in a project, aligning your work and it's results to meet their needs.

You will have excellent communication skills both in written and oral form, have experience in applying science and research in practice and engaging with the external research community.

About us

The DfT Office for Science (DO-Science)'s goal is to improve the quality and use of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) evidence and advice in DfT's strategy and decision-making.

The two roles available will be situated within the Department for Transport's Office for Science (DO-Science) in the Central Research Team. For further information on these roles please refer to the attached role profile document.

You will be considered for both posts, where the allocation will be an operational decision. You will not be asked to indicate a preference at this stage.

You should use the Civil Service Competency Framework, referring to the relevant competency definitions for the grade advertised. The Indicators listed on the attached document have been identified as most appropriate; please ensure that the evidence in your application meets the requirements of the role.

If invited to interview, this may consist of a range of question types. These could include questions about your strengths or how you would respond in any particular situation as well as specific examples of things you have done.

Applicants should also use the attached additional competency framework and refer to the competency definitions within.

Person specification
Please provide details of your previous experience and skills that relate to the criteria of this role.

Qualifications
A primary or higher degree in STEM or related sciences

Competencies

We'll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

• Seeing the big picture
• Making effective decisions
• Managing a quality service
• Collaborating and partnering
• GSE Profession Skills

Civil Service Competency Framework

Benefits

Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Benefits
Besides the rewarding nature of the job itself, the benefits that come with it are excellent.

The package includes generous leave entitlement, attractive pension options, flexible working and other policies to enable a good work/life balance, including beneficial childcare arrangements.

You'll also benefit from our commitment to nurturing and developing talent.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must pass basic security checks .

Nationality statement
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules .

If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

Selection process details
If invited to interview, this may consist of a range of question types. These could include questions about your strengths or how you would respond in any particular situation as well as specific examples of things you have done.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements
Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here .

Eligibility

Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.