Senior Scientific Officer – Ballykelly, Limavady.

Job Role: Senior Scientific Officer
Location: Ballykelly, Limavady
Pay: £21.99ph (Paid Weekly)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm
Duration of Placement: 6 Months (Possible Extension)
Start Date: ASAP

Job Duties:

• Providing sound expert advice on a range of science issues and priorities, both on ongoing policy and operational matters and to support the wider Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office (CSAO) and DAERA Groups.
• Providing DAERA senior managers and policy officials with expert advice on science-related issues and priorities.
• Engaging with Departmental policy leads, other departments, and external stakeholders to develop the support required to deliver DAERA’s priorities.
• Facilitating knowledge exchange between research providers and end users.
• Representing DAERA on scientific matters, including liaising with other Departments, Devolved Administrations, and academic experts.
• Supporting R&D Thematic Board Chairs and Members, the Science Oversight Group, and the R&D Committee to ensure that DAERA research priorities have a sound scientific basis.
• Quality assuring ongoing scientific research and other evidence-gathering activity commissioned by DAERA.
• Leading in the appraisal of new proposals, monitoring reports, and end-of-project reports.
• Preparing briefing material for the Minister and senior officials, including AQWs and AQOs.
• Engaging with CSA Office officials in other departments and administrations.
• Assisting the wider work of the CSAO.

Qualifications:

Applicants are required to have:

1. A 2:1 honours Degree in a scientific discipline relevant to the work of DAERA, such as agriculture science, animal health and welfare, food science, or rural affairs.
2. Evidence of at least 2 years post-qualification* experience in the provision of advice on science-based issues** to senior managers or external stakeholders for the purposes of research commissioning and/or policy development. The experience must have occurred in the past 8 years.
3. Success and achievement within the last 5 years of working in a science-based organisation***. This should involve evidence of involvement in undertaking, or managing science-based projects.
4. Evidence of recognised standing within their scientific field. This should be supported through evidence of publications or other research outputs, professional accreditations, or other measures of esteem.

*Post qualification experience can include relevant postgraduate study or post-doctorate experience.

**Science-based issues/projects are defined as either: research and development, or testing/analysis, or provision of advice and information on scientific matters or the dissemination or application of the results of scientific research.

***A science-based organisation is defined as an organisation whose main function involves either research and development, testing/analysis, provision of advice and information on scientific matters, or the dissemination or application of the results of scientific research.

Experience:

The essential experience required includes:

• Experience of maintaining and developing horizon scanning functions on scientific developments and communicating new findings to senior officials.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to engage with a wide variety of people.
• Experience of balancing a range of priorities and work areas.
• Experience of working, presenting, and influencing across teams, both within DAERA and with external partners.
• Experience working within science, science policy, or policy impact roles.
• Experience of line management.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Pattern
• Flexi Hours
• Car Parking Facilities

An Access NI background check is essential for the position (Facilitated by TRC).

If interested, please feel free to reach out to Sean at sean.burns.mooney@therecruitmentco.uk.