The Royal Society is seeking an enthusiastic person to join the ‘Wellbeing’ team – the policy team which uses science to understand and promote the wellbeing of people, plants, animals and the environment. This is an exciting time to be joining the Wellbeing team. We are scaling up our programme of work on ‘Genetic Technologies’, looking particularly at safety concerns around making heritable genetic changes to humans. We are also launching two new programmes – ‘Living Landscapes’ (informing a long-term vision for how the UK manages its land in the future) and ‘Everyone a Scientist’ (exploring the nature of science in public and private life). We are seeking someone initially to support the Genetic Technologies programme, but with the versatility and breadth of interests and skills to support work in other programmes as they develop.

The role is suitable for someone who enjoys undertaking research, writing accessible and rigorous reports, planning events and managing projects more generally, and working closely with colleagues and external experts to provide insight into some of the most pressing societal challenges. An ability to pick up new topic areas, including technical aspects of the life and environmental sciences and fast-moving national and international political debates, will also be important.

The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth, dedicated to promoting excellence in science. It is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering and medicine. Providing scientific advice to shape policy is one of its strategic priorities.

The Society works in partnership with businesses, national academies, learned societies, charities and government, and deploys a wide range of channels and approaches – from the delivery of major reports to rapid shorter statements, the creation of influential networks, skilful use of the Society’s digital and media channels, and well-founded programmes of events. The Society continues to develop and look for innovative approaches that will increase its influence in national and international policy debates.