Description Job Description This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader in science to ensure that scientific and engineering evidence supports the Scottish Government’s ambitious programmes including: to eradicate child poverty, grow our economy, tackle the climate emergency, and improve public services. The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland (CSA) champions science as a key driver of the economy, promotes the effective use of scientific evidence in policymaking in the Scottish Government and beyond and works to inspire the next generation of scientists and encourage diversity in the STEM (science, technology engineering and mathematics) workforce. As CSA you will provide Scottish Ministers with access to expert high quality scientific advice, through working together with senior leaders and embedding scientific advice and evidence in Scottish Government policy. You will provide an independent challenge function to Ministers and senior leaders on issues of strategic importance. You will ensure scientific advice influences, and is reflected in, the direction and delivery of Scottish Government policy. You will champion evidence-informed policy making and the contribution that science and scientists within and outwith Government can make to delivering effective outcomes, promoting the strength of the Scottish science base in the rest of the UK, Europe and internationally. Responsibilities Reporting to the Director General Economy you will work alongside the Director of Economic Development on a day-to-day basis, supported by a small Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, including a Deputy CSA. Key responsibilities include: Provision of a strategic and cross-cutting lead for science advice within the Scottish Government. You will lead, and work closely with, the existing network of portfolio-based chief scientific advisers in the Scottish Government, namely the Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, the Chief Scientist for Health, and the Chief Scientific Adviser Marine to ensure a joined-up approach to science advice, chairing the Scottish Government CSA group. You will also chair the Scottish Government’s Science Leadership Network, representing the Scottish Government’s inhouse science and engineering profession leadership. Working with a range of other specialist and professional advisers within the Scottish Government to contribute to resilience planning and emergency response, including by providing Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) with quality scientific advice during emergencies and to ensure that Scottish Government is engaged with UKG via the Science Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). You will be a member of, and be supported by, the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC), a body which facilitates access to wider science expertise and provides independent advice to Government. You will be expected to develop and maintain strong links to the UK Government science advice community, contributing to the UK Chief Scientific Advisers Network and highlighting Scottish Government policies and scientific expertise as appropriate. You will represent and act as an advocate for science in Scotland, providing strategic oversight on where Scotland needs to work closely with UKG. This includes working closely with the other Devolved Administrations’ CSAs to share best practice and to support each other in work across reserved/devolved areas. Maintaining active links in your scientific or research field and with the research community more broadly. Your personal area of expertise may be in any scientific discipline, but you will be expected to have extensive experience of working in a cross-disciplinary way, with networks outside your own area of expertise. You will also be expected to demonstrate your ability to add value to the existing science advice expertise within the Scottish Government, which already supports policy in the health, environment/agriculture and marine spaces, so that the full range of policy areas across the Scottish Government’s responsibilities are able to access science advice. Responsibilities Success Profile It is essential that you can provide evidence in your application of the professional experience and skills required for this role. In addition, candidates applying for roles with the government, agencies and public bodies in Scotland are assessed in line with the Success Profiles framework that is used across the Civil Service. This means that as well as evidencing the professional experience and skills you will also be expected to evidence the behaviours at the level required for this Senior Civil Service role. Experience Professional credibility – as an outstanding scientist widely respected at a national or international level and an authoritative voice on scientific issues. The ability to provide evidence-based scientific and technical advice and fearless challenge will be essential. You will ensure scientific advice influences, and is reflected in, the direction and delivery of Scottish Government policy. Operating collaboratively – forging effective networks across the boundaries of scientific disciplines and with experience of contributing to strategic scientific issues at Scottish, UK and / or international levels. Excellent communication skills – you must have highly-developed interpersonal and influencing skills and the ability to build on and develop influential networks across academia, government, industry, and other stakeholders, nationally and internationally. You will be capable of translating complex and challenging issues for a wide range of different audiences. Behaviours You are expected to provide evidence of the following behaviours at Level 6. Leadership Developing Self and Others Seeing the Bigger Picture Working Together Delivering at Pace More information on Success Profiles can be found here. How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If you are shortlisted, you will be provided with full details of the next stages of the selection and assessment process. This will include an individual psychological assessment and a stakeholder engagement exercise. The Final Interview Panel take place in person at St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. Interviews will be chaired by Elizabeth Walmsley, Civil Service Commissioner. The other panel members are: Gregor Irwin, DG Economy, Scottish Government Shirley Laing, Director for Lifelong Learning and Skills, Scottish Government Jas Pal Badyal, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales Indicative Timeline Shortlisting 18 March 2025 Assessments 24 March - 12 April 2025 Interviews 23 April 2025 Final Outcomes w/c 28 April 2025 Timings are subject to change. You will be informed appropriately. Interview Expenses Any travel and subsistence expenses incurred during the selection process are the responsibility of the applicant. Qualifications About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working pattern Our standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. W e offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. This role is offered on the basis of a 0.6 FTE (three days a week) secondment on current employment terms for up to three years or a fixed term appointment (FTA) for 23 months with the possibility of extension. The duration of any secondment should be discussed with your employer in advance of applying. If you have any questions about this please contact SCSResourcinggov.scot. Location The location of this role is either Edinburgh or Glasgow. The Scottish Government operates a flexible, hybrid approach to working. Some in-office attendance is likely to be required each week based in Edinburgh to accommodate meetings, including with senior colleagues and Ministers. Regular travel within Scotland and further afield is also likely to be required. Relocation Expenses Relocation expenses may be available if you have to move house to take up this appointment. Further details will be provided to the successful candidate but you should not in any event commit yourself to any expenditure without prior discussion with the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government has developed this website to provide information for people considering living and working in Scotland which provides information on the variety of lifestyles on offer and an insight into why you should consider moving to Scotland. Conflict of Interest The successful candidate will be required to disclose any personal or business interests, including share holdings, which may or may be perceived to be relevant to or in conflict with working within the Civil Service. This may involve suspending or relinquishing stock market activity. More information is available in our Candidate Guide. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information The successful candidate, if new to the Civil Service, will require Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) security clearance. In addition, given the requirements of this role, candidates will require national security vetting to Security Check level as a condition of appointment. Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. This competition is being run in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on the Civil Service Commission and our recruitment and application processes. Apply before ( Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 23:59) Contact Name SCSResourcinggov.scot Contact e-Mail SCSResourcinggov.scot