Specialist Policy Officer (Faculty of Medicine) in Southampton

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 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 Medicine. The successful candidate will be capable of moving between a broad range of subject areas to support colleagues across 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. Candidates with knowledge of provision of cancer sciences, developmental sciences, primary care and health care sciences will be well positioned to excel in this position. This role is well suited to those with a background in public affairs (particularly for third sector organisations), local or national government or parliamentary support (i.e. civil servants, 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. 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) on a fixed term basis with pension auto-enrolment to the Universities Superannuation Scheme and generous holiday allocation of 30 days (pro rata) plus 14 University closure/public holidays. This role is initially offered on a fixed-term basis until 31st July 2026 with an ambition that, should funding be agreed, the position would be extended.

Responsibilities

• Support a broad range of subject areas to assist researchers and colleagues in the Faculty of Medicine and beyond.
• Influence senior decision makers within government and engage with parliamentarians in scrutinising the executive.
• Work with senior leadership within the faculty and across the University in a hybrid team setting; part-time members are expected to be on campus at least one day per week.
• Build connections and capacity for academics and policymakers to engage in mutually beneficial dialogue to address community challenges.

Qualifications and experience

• Background in public affairs (particularly for third sector organisations), local or national government or parliamentary support (e.g., civil servants, MP staffers, POST or Select Committee support staff).
• Knowledge relevant to cancer sciences, developmental sciences, primary care and health care sciences is advantageous.
• Proven ability to move between a broad range of subject areas and to engage with senior stakeholders.

Terms and benefits

• Part-time role (21 hours per week) on a fixed-term basis.
• Pension auto-enrolment to the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
• Generous holiday allocation of 30 days (pro rata) plus 14 University closure/public holidays.
• Initially offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 July 2026, with the potential for extension if funding is agreed.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We strongly encourage applicants from groups traditionally under-represented in the UK higher education sector and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

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.