Job Description

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK\'s thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer including:

• 30 days\' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).

with an average employer contribution of 27%. * Access to training and development.

• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) is an office of both Houses of Parliament, supported by an advisory Board that includes Members of both Houses and external experts. It is the main link between the research community and the UK Parliament.

POST is part of the wider House of Commons Research and Information team, which delivers research, information and other services for Members, their staff, House staff and the public

The Role

This is a maternity cover - fixed term for 12 months, with the possibility of extension or permanence

The role primarily involves overseeing the work of POST\'s Digital and Physical Sciences Section, and providing briefing for select committees, MPs, Peers, and their staff on a wide range of topics relating to the physical sciences and digital technologies. Example topics include cyber security, defence technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, online advertising technologies, online safety, smart cities, transport technologies and digital skills.

The team is friendly and supportive. In your role you will work closely with other members

of the team, as well as people from across Parliament and elsewhere, such as colleagues

supporting select committees. The work is varied, involves communication with a wide range of people from different backgrounds, and it changes in response to the needs of Parliament.

This role involves line management of a B1 Physical Sciences Adviser, and the supervision of POST Fellows.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Oversee the work related to the physical sciences and digital in POST, including decisions on POST\'s future work programme, supervising the work of the Physical Sciences Adviser and supervising academic researchers on placements with POST.
• Research, analyse and compile briefing material, drawing on external advice and expertise, to support the scrutiny of a wide range of subjects relating to the physical sciences and digital technologies. Research projects range from ad hoc briefings and providing advice on other advisers\' projects to more formal peer-reviewed briefings (\'POSTnotes\') that will require an ability to research areas you may not already be familiar with.
• Assist parliamentary select committees, for example by providing written or oral briefings on digital and physical sciences.
• Develop and maintain a network of stakeholders to ensure that you have a good understanding of parliamentary, policy and scientific developments relevant to your area and to ensure that Parliament has access to the best available information, evidence and expertise

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

The following qualifications are required for this role

• A bachelor\'s degree (2.2 or higher)
• AND a postgraduate qualification in a subject related to the physical sciences or digital (e.g. MSc, MEng, PhD or EngD) OR relevant work experience
• Evidence of excellent research methods and analytical skills with demonstrable experience of critically appraising and synthesising research and data from a range of sources and of distilling key issues.
• People management skills, including setting realistic objectives, monitoring performance, giving feedback, and supporting development - or the ability to develop these skills.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain professional networks and successful working relationships with a wide range of people inside and outside the House at all levels and from all backgrounds, whilst promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1 - 5 in the .

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the .

The interview process will include a written exercise and an interview. If your application is shortlisted, prior to your interview we will ask you to take a written test, the full details of which will be communicated to you in advance.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

UK Parliament