Specialist Policy Officer (Environment and Life Sciences)

Part Time 21 hpw Fixed Term to 31/07/2026

This role is an opportunity to join a diverse, creative and agile team at the heart of a research intensive, Russell Group university. Our mission is to enhance the 'local, sub-national, national and international public policy  impact of research conducted at the University of Southampton'. In practice this means building connections and capacity for academics and policymakers to engage in mutually beneficial dialogue to address the challenges our communities face. Our work spans across all faculties and disciplines at the University of Southampton and includes engaging with policy actors ranging from local councillors through to the United Nations.  

This role has been designed to meet increased demand for policy engagement support from our globally  renowned researchers in the faculty of Environment and Life Sciences. The successful candidate will be capable of moving between a broad range of subject areas to support colleagues a diverse range of disciplines. They will be adept at influencing senior decision makers within government with a track record of engaging with parliamentarians in their role of scrutinising the executive. As part of the national agenda of 'Mission based policy making' the successful candidate will have good grasp of the current political drivers for policy change, as well as a strong understanding of the changing nature of health and social care at a regional level in an English context, specifically an understanding of Integrated Care Systems. This role is well suited to those with a background in HE knowledge brokerage, public affairs (particularly for third sector organisations), local or national government or parliamentary support (i.e. MP staffers, POST or Select Committee support staff). This role will work closely with senior leadership within the faculty and across the University. As a hybrid team we have an expectation of part time team members being on campus at least one day a week. 

We strongly encourage applicants from groups traditionally under-represented in the UK higher education sector (you can find out more about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan here). We actively encourage applicants seeking flexible working/job share employment to accommodate caring/volunteering/educational commitments. The role is offered as part time (21 hours a week) with pension auto-enrolment to the Universities Superannuation Scheme and generous holiday allocation of 30 days (pro rata) plus 14 University closure/public holidays. 

If you have questions about the public policy 'impact agenda', the PPS team or the role - please contact Gareth Giles, Head of PPS via g.giles@soton.ac.uk to arrange a time to speak.

Further details:

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date.

For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

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