Main purpose of job:

The UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN) works internationally to turn science and technology partnerships into tangible outcomes for UK growth, security and global influence. Canada is one of the UK’s closest and most trusted science and technology partners, with strong research, innovation and industrial links across frontier technologies as outlined in the UK Government’s Science and Technology Framework and Modern Industrial Strategy.

The British Consulate General in Vancouver is seeking a dynamic Science and Technology Officer (HEO) to lead Science and Technology engagement across British Columbia and Yukon while also acting as the national lead for the Quantum sector file. The role will build and maintain partnerships with influential science, technology and innovation leaders including government, academia, private sector and Indigenous partners to advance UK Science and Technology priorities. These priorities include but are not limited to AI, Quantum, Semiconductors, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology, and Clean Energy Technologies.  You may be required to engage on emerging policy and partnerships in related fields.  This role is suitable for an agile thinker with strong relationship management skills able to rapidly switch between domains and get to the heart of emerging policy or partnership issues quickly.

The role sits at the intersection of science & technology diplomacy, policy, research, innovation and trade. In this role you will:

• Identify opportunities where UK and Canadian science and technology strengths align
• Produce high-quality insight for UK decision-makers
• Scope and deliver projects, visits and events aligned with key policy priorities
• position the UK as Canada’s partner of choice in areas aligned with the UK Modern Industrial Strategy, especially the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan and the UK National Quantum Strategy

No two days will be the same. You may be facilitating a group of UK supercomputing professors to visit potential Canadian collaborators; working with trade colleagues to shape a compelling proposition for an innovative company to choose the UK for their international expansion; offering thought leadership locally about technology policy and lessons the UK and BC can learn from each other; or influencing development of UK and Canadian joint research programmes.

The jobholder will work as part of the UK in Canada network, reporting locally to the British Consul General in Vancouver and operating as part of the distributed STN Canada team across Ottawa, Toronto, Montréal, Calgary and Vancouver. The role will require close collaboration and effective liaison with UK Government colleagues based across Canada and the UK, including trade, policy, funding, communications and corporate teams.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Regional BC/Yukon S&T leadership and relationship management (25%): Build and maintain a high-value network of influential science and technology stakeholders across British Columbia and Yukon. Develop and deliver against a regional engagement plan that supports UK S&T policy, partnership and political priorities across key S&T priority sectors, leveraging senior senior officials across the network and UK VIP visits.
• National quantum sector leadership (35%): Lead development and delivery of STN Canada’s national quantum sector plan, working with STN colleagues across Canada and UK policy leads to implement. Drive shared outcomes on quantum computing, quantum networking and secure communications, quantum sensing, timing and resilient PNT.
• Policy insight, reporting and advice (15%): Monitor and analyse developments in BC/Yukon and across Canada relevant to UK S&T priorities. Produce concise, timely reporting, briefings, visit notes and recommendations for UK stakeholders.
• Project and program delivery (15%): Design and deliver high-impact project work designed to support practical UK–Canada collaboration and showcase UK S&T excellence. Manage small project budgets, logistics, evaluation and reporting.
• Team contribution and corporate responsibilities (10%): Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative and ambitious STN Canada and Vancouver Consulate culture. Support wider British Consulate General priorities, and work flexibly as priorities evolve.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure) :

This role does not currently have line management responsibilities. The jobholder will be expected to develop, manage and report on small project budgets, potentially in the CA$10,000s, subject to available funding and approvals.

Learning and development opportunities:

The UK in Canada network offers a strong package of learning and development opportunities, including STN-specific induction and access to FCDO and Civil Service learning. The role offers substantial on-the-job development in science diplomacy, policy reporting, project delivery, senior engagement, and cross-government working.

Level of language required: Expert in English

Essential on arrival: 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, including the demonstrable ability to build and maintain senior, diverse networks and influence others.
• Scientific and technological literacy, with the ability to work across a range of technical topics and quickly understand where relative UK strengths, risks and opportunities sit.
• Ability to deliver at pace in a complex environment, managing competing priorities and turning broad policy objectives into clear, practical action.
• Able to develop partnerships, projects, events or stakeholder engagement activity that brings different organizations together around shared objectives.
• Strong communicator with ability to prepare briefing, speeches, visit programmes, senior engagement materials or policy submissions
• Contributes to an inclusive, positive team culture while supporting and developing others, and shows a proactive commitment to learning by embracing new challenges and variety.