At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovation policy and ensure value for money in R&D programming.
- Company: Join a friendly team at the Treasury focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, outstanding pension, flexible working, and great discounts.
- Other info: Collaborate with key government partners and enjoy excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national growth through science and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and interest in science and technology policy.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you looking for an exciting and challenging policy role? This role supports the Chancellor’s growth ambitions through innovation while ensuring that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Research & Development (R&D) programming is affordable and provides value for money? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Team
The Science, Technology and Access to Finance (STAF) team leads on the Treasury’s interests in innovation policy, a key pillar of the Chancellor’s growth strategy. Sitting in the Growth and Infrastructure Directorate of EGU, it is a friendly team of c.22 policy professionals, organised into four branches: Science and Innovation, Access to Finance, Spending, and Digital Economy. We are responsible for supporting innovation‑led growth across the economy and ensuring HMT’s interests are reflected in government science and technology policy. This means collaborating closely with partners in Treasury and across government, including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the British Business Bank (BBB), and many more.
About the Job
Key accountabilities for this role include:
- Ensuring that Treasury’s objectives, including growth, affordability and value for money are reflected in government action on the space sector, engineering biology and international R&D programmes.
- Providing independent scrutiny of and where appropriate approval for major spending proposals and scientific infrastructure.
- Developing and advising ministers on affordable policies to boost growth aligned to Budget and other high‑profile events.
- Contributing to advice on R&D spending proposals at Spending Review and leading on other innovation priorities where relevant.
- Delivering high quality responses to innovation queries raised by politicians, the public and the press.
About You
You will lead for Treasury on a range of thematic issues including the space sector, engineering biology, international R&D and R&D talent. You will be expected to cover discrete issues as they arise; be responsible for reviewing departmental proposals for major scientific infrastructure projects above DSIT'S delegated spending limits and play an important role in efforts to coordinate R&D activity across Whitehall.
Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 25 days (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus public holidays and the King’s birthday.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme – Defined Benefit pension with employer contributions of 28%.
- Parental Leave Packages – Including 6 months’ occupational pay for maternity/adoption, shared parental leave options.
- Flexible & Hybrid Working – Options include part‑time, job‑share, compressed hours, flexitime, and hybrid working (where business needs allow).
- Advance Schemes & Discounts – Rental deposit, cycle‑to‑work, SmartTech, season ticket loans, and access to HM Treasury’s benefits portal for a wide range of discount codes.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team.
Policy Adviser - Science & Innovation employer: HM TREASURY
HM Treasury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Darlington where policy advisers can thrive. With a strong emphasis on personal development, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme and extensive leave options, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that enhance their expertise and contribute to the UK's financial market innovation.
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy Adviser - Science & Innovation
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Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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