Job Description

ID 3253

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The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

Vacancy details

Vacancy title
Senior Science Analyst and Project Manager


Closing date
18/11/2025, 16:00


Advertising basis
Loan, Permanent, Secondment
Actual starting salary
45,974
Salary range or pay band
SEO 45,974 to 54,431
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Economy, Energy and Transport
Directorate
Chief Scientific Officer
Branch
Evidence Synthesis and Analytics
Location (s)
Pan Wales
Pan Wales' means that the location in which the vacancy can be based is flexible, subject to the needs of the business. A list of the Welsh Government's offices can be found on www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices. Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.
Purpose of post

Join the Welsh Government Office for Science - Where Evidence Meets Impact

Are you passionate about using science, data, and innovation to shape a better future for Wales? The

Welsh Government Office for Science (WGOS)

is looking for a dynamic and analytical science professional to join our

Evidence Synthesis and Analytics Branch

.


In this role, you'll be at the heart of government decision-making--

translating complex scientific and technical evidence into clear, actionable insights

that inform policies affecting health, education, the environment, and the economy.

Why Join WGOS?

Purposeful Work

: Support the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales in delivering high-quality evidence and strategic thinking that drives real societal change.

Collaborative Environment

: Work closely with scientists, researchers, statisticians, and policy teams across Wales, the UK, and internationally.

Innovation-Driven

: Be part of exciting programmes,, AI-driven initiatives, and analysing clusters of research, innovation, economic and societal impact within science and technology to support Wales Innovates and its delivery plan, to identify gaps/opportunities in Wales and inform future funding decisions for Welsh Government e.g. Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER) and potentially the creation of Public Sector Research Establishments in key areas of strength.

Professional Growth

: Enjoy a supportive team culture with a

protected weekly learning hour

and opportunities to develop your skills in science communication, data analysis, and policy impact.

Equity and Inclusion

: Contribute to the Welsh Government's

Equity in STEM

initiative, helping to build a more inclusive and diverse scientific community.

Benefits:

You'll benefit from flexible working, generous leave, and a strong commitment to wellbeing and inclusion. With access to high-quality training, clear career progression, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects--including AI and digital transformation--you'll be part of a modern, values-driven organisation that supports your growth and celebrates your impact.

What You'll Do

Aggregate and analyse scientific, technical, and other relevant data. Interpret findings to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. Communicate insights through clear, compelling narratives for ministers and stakeholders. Explore how science, technology, and innovation affect everyday life--positively or negatively--and help shape evidence-based solutions.


Science and use of science is fundamentally about numerical and quantifiable evidence and data, i.e. what you can observe, measure or count. This will be feature of science evidence collection and which may be underpinned by fundamental scientific principles.



This is more than a data role--it's a chance to

influence the future of science and innovation in Wales

, while growing your career in a forward-thinking, inclusive public sector environment.





Key tasks

Main Responsibilities

Provision of evidence and data analytical support and advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales[1] and colleagues within the Welsh Government Office for Science. The drivers and foci of this work will be varied but, for example, will include the synthesis of evidence and data to inform the evolution of WG investment decisions, priorities and outcomes. Identifying and accessing information and data sources relevant to the evidence needs of the Welsh Government Office for Science. Aggregation, curation and analysis of data from multiple, varied sources[2] to yield evidence relevant to the work and needs of the Welsh Government Office for Science. Potential research questions include: Engagement and liaison with other individuals and groups both internal and external to Welsh Government that are active in collecting, analysing and reporting on data relevant to the Welsh Government Office for Science. Such groups encompass colleagues in Knowledge and Analytical Services (KAS), other departments of Welsh Government, cross-departmental WG entities such as the Strategic Evidence Board and the Equality, Race and Disability Evidence Units, UK Government, and key individuals, groups, companies and institutions across academia, industry and other sectors. Leading on the communication and reporting of the results of analyses to relevant colleagues within, and external to, the Welsh Government Office for Science. These activities will utilise multiple platforms and applications as appropriate to the target audiences, including tools for data visualisation. Leading on the design, commissioning, management and evaluation of evidence and analytical projects. While the details of such future reports have yet to be defined, reports previously commissioned from Elsevier[3],[4] offer examples of the type of project involved. Leading on the exploration and application of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence AI.

[1] The CSA for Wales is a fixed-term four year appointment which has a central role in determining the priorities of both the Division and this post in line with Welsh Government Ministers' priorities.


[2] Such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and the Scopus (and possibly SciVal) database.


[3] A performance based assessment of the Welsh research base | GOV.WALES


[4] Wales' research performance with UK and global comparators | GOV.WALES



Development opportunities
The post holder will be expected to liaise with science, technology and RD&I stakeholders in and out of government as well as others such as the staffs of the Chief Economist, CSA for Health, Chief Digital Officer, Chief Veterinary Officer, Knowledge and Analytical Services and externally with universities, industry and UK Government. Training on new AI platforms including use of CoPilot in Welsh Government will be provided.
Other vacancy related information
The post holder will be expected to travel within Wales and elsewhere to visit stakeholders and others in pursuit of the role. The successful candidate will be expected to travel to Cardiff CP2 frequently for team meetings, workshops and to meet stakeholders.


A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate, who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.


In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1 and Technical 1.Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.


In the case of more than one candidate scoring the same, the panel has decided the following criteria to determining the merit order:

Experience 1 Technical 1 Experience 2 Experience 3 Experience 4



Vetting level
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
WGOS@gov.wales