Policy Adviser

The Royal Society is looking for an enthusiastic person to join us as a Policy Adviser in its Science Policy Section, to work initially within the People and Plant team. The Policy Section works on policy topics that cut across policy-related science and the scientific ecosystem, including the opportunity to impact policy decisions relating to human flourishing within the constraints of the natural environment.

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Working with some of the UK’s leading scientists, the successful applicant will be a part of a friendly and highly visible team within the Society. Initially, your role will involve working with a Senior Policy Adviser on projects relating to the environment. Possible topics for this programme include the future of food systems, how to ensure that nature-based solutions to climate change deliver as much for nature as they do for climate, and how we can improve resilience to extreme weather-related events.

 

We are seeking an efficient and motivated person with experience of engaging policy stakeholders at all levels of seniority. A demonstrable agility across policy themes, whether through prior experience or a clear willingness and interest to develop in new areas is favourable in candidates.

 

You will have experience of successfully undertaking policy, academic or social research and analysis, drafting reports, and managing events and projects, being able to clearly meet the needs of different audiences. The successful candidate is expected to be a team player. An ability to quickly grasp emerging national policy developments is important for this role. The successful candidate will also contribute to the overall development of the wider Science Policy team and the delivery of its objectives.

 

You will be expected to work closely with staff, the Society’s Fellows and Foreign Members, and others to develop and promote independent, expert and timely advice to UK, European and international decisionmakers.

 

We typically undertake the following activities, on topics that reflect the Society’s priorities:

 

• Projects: Analysing the scientific evidence relating to major policy issues in collaboration with other experts.

• Reports & publications: Producing reports, statements, consultation responses and other publications on a regular basis.

• Events: Bringing together policymakers, academics, businesses and NGOs to discuss current topics in science policy.

 

In addition to working on the environment programme, the successful applicant will be expected to support the work of the wider team and Science Policy section. Working under the guidance of a Senior Policy Adviser, you will also contribute to the overall development and delivery of the objectives of the People and Planet team, as well as the wider Science Policy directorate.

 

The Royal Society

The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists. Our fundamental purpose, reflected in our founding charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage its development and use for the benefit of humanity. We are the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.

Providing scientific advice to shape policy and the wider public debate is one of the Society’s strategic priorities. Our work in the Science Policy directorate focuses on global challenges such as pandemic responses, climate change, and energy, food, and water security. xwzovoh We make the case for strengthening investment in research and innovation and developing STEM education, and we set out the potential for

 

Reports to: Senior Policy Adviser, People and Planet

Pay Band: C

Salary: £36,300 - £42,000

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG

Closing date for applications: Monday 25 May 2026

Interviews will be held: 15/16 June 2026

 

We reserve the right to close the role early should a sufficient number of suitable applications.