DSIT College of Experts

Job Summary The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) helps the UK grow through science. It speeds up innovation, investment and productivity, whilst ensuring new and existing technologies are safe to use. It also builds a modern digital government to improve services for citizens.
To support us on this journey we are expanding its College of Experts. This is a prestigious network of independent specialists who provide impartial, strategic scientific and technical advice to shape national policy and programmes.
Help shape government policy, ensuring it is grounded in evidence, aligned with sector needs, and is future-facing.
Collaborate across academia, industry and government, gaining insight into how policy is made and delivered.
Engage with a diverse and inclusive Government department, working on a wide range of topics central to the UK’s science and technology priorities.
Members of the College of experts will be invited to contribute up to 5 days across the year to support the department’s research and evidence needs typically through Teams meetings, requests to review work or participate in roundtables. In return, you’ll gain access to a respected cross-sector network including the DSIT Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), visibility in government decision-making, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public service. The College of Experts is led by the DSIT Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Chris Johnson, and will include recognised experts from academia and industry. Experts will be invited to contribute up to five days per year on a flexible, unpaid basis, with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed. We welcome applications from individuals who are leaders in their field, and who are motivated to apply their expertise for the public good. DSIT is committed to building a cohort that reflects the diversity of people, perspectives and sectors across the UK, and we strongly encourage applications from experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
Provide deep technical expertise to teams to help ensure projects/business cases are aligned to sectoral needs.
Expert validation: Scrutinise assumptions, problem definition, financial models and proposed outcomes to help shape projects.
Risk assessment: Training and workshops: We are recruiting experts for across our policy portfolio: AI Opportunities for a positive impact on economy and society, AI Security, Cyber Security & Digital Identity, Digital and Data, Digital Infrastructure, Future Telecommunications, Engineering Biology, Economic Security, IP Commercialisation, Life Sciences, Quantum Technologies, Regulatory Innovation, Research & Innovation, Security & Online Harms, Semiconductors and Space.
Engagements as a member of the College of Experts are designed to be flexible and primarily remote, making it easier for experts across the UK to contribute regardless of location. Typical requests may include Teams meetings with policy teams, engaging in roundtables or reviewing papers. If travel is required, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. We strongly encourage applications from experts based across the UK’s nations and regions to ensure a broad and representative cohort.
The College of Experts is led by the DSIT Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Chris Johnson, and will include recognised experts from academia and industry. Experts will be invited to contribute up to five days per year on a flexible, unpaid basis, with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed. We welcome applications from individuals who are leaders in their field, and who are motivated to apply their expertise for the public good. DSIT is committed to building a cohort that reflects the diversity of people, perspectives and sectors across the UK, and we strongly encourage applications from experts from a wide range of backgrounds.
The ideal candidate will be a mid-late career professional who is an expert in their field and interested in contributing to policy and public sector work. Recognised nationally or internationally as a specialist in a field relevant to DSIT policy areas, bringing expertise from science, technology, engineering, social sciences, or related disciplines, gained through academia, research organisations, industry, or equivalent professional experience.
A proven ability to communicate complex scientific and technical advice clearly and persuasively in writing and orally.
Please note, applicants must have the ability to work effectively in English in their area of expertise.
To apply for this job please complete this no later than Friday 16th January at 23:55. Your application will be reviewed by a panel of Policy and Analyst Leads within DSIT. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Chief Scientific Advisor Private Office: csa@dsit.gov.uk