Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in Los Angeles has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the UK’s global Science & Innovation Network (SIN) as the Head of Science & Innovation for LA and the South-West. This is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, ensuring the UK continues to be the partner of choice on science and innovation for US organisations, and catalysing research collaborations on three areas critical to UK and international prosperity and security: responsible development of emerging technologies, biosecurity and global health, and science and tech for clean energy and tackling climate change.
The UK enjoys a reputation for scientific excellence and leading innovative edge. Collaboration with the US, our crucial research partner, is critical to maintaining this position. The LA-based Head of S&I is part of a network of S&I officers throughout the US co-ordinated by the British Embassy in Washington, DC. You would report directly to the network’s Deputy Director (based in San Francisco), working closely with Consulate teams (the Consul General, Deputy Consul General, Trade & Investment, and Press & Public Affairs), as well as with the SIN and Tech Policy teams across the US, to identify and create opportunities for UK science and technology.
The core objective of this position is to represent the UK’s science and innovation interests in the LA Consulate district, which covers Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Hawaii, US Pacific Territories. This region has strengths in semiconductor research, quantum technologies, and life sciences. As well as covering these areas across the region, this role will be responsible for national coordination across SIN for space science and technology. 

The objectives of the UK Government’s Science and Innovation Network 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
  More information on the SIN team in the US can be found at USA: UK Science and Innovation Network summary – GOV.UK (www.gov.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 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.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Cultivating a strong understanding of S&I strengths across the South West 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 Southern California and the South West, with particular regard for SIN’s priority areas: emerging technologies such as next generation AI, Quantum tech, and bio engineering; climate science and cleantech; and global health;
• 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.

Resources managed:

This role does not manage any staff but will regularly have to manage resources adding up to tens of thousands of dollars. 
There are plenty of opportunities in this role to lead project teams, and to coach and mentor colleagues.

• 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 Federal and State 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.

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. 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. 

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent