Policy and Public Affairs Manager

The post holder will report to the Head of Communications and be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of policy advocacy work. The Policy and Public Affairs Manager has a key role in ensuring that the institute’s work, impact and strategic priorities are effectively represented to policymakers, funders, government departments and external partners. This role combines policy insight with stakeholder engagement to shape the research and innovation landscape, champion the institute’s scientific and societal contributions, and support long‑term funding and regulatory sustainability.

Key Relationships

This role is at the interface between research and policy stakeholders. External relationships will include policymakers (including politicians and civil servants), collaborators and funders. Internally, the post holder will work closely with a broad range of scientists, with the senior management team, and with communication and knowledge exchange professionals. Partnership work across the Norwich Research Park with NRP members, where appropriate, will also be central to this role.

Policy Analysis & Development

• Monitor UK policy developments across Westminster, devolved administrations, UKRI and international research bodies.
• Analyse government strategies, public funding frameworks and regulatory changes impacting the institute’s disciplines.
• Produce evidence‑based reports, policy briefs, horizon scanners and consultation responses reflecting the institute’s research expertise and societal impact.
• Work with researchers to translate complex scientific findings into accessible policy recommendations.

Public Affairs

• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, parliamentarians, funders, NGOs, learned societies, industry partners and policy networks.
• Lead advocacy strategies to shape policy agendas relevant to the institute (research funding priorities, public health policy, ethical frameworks, regulatory reforms, science and innovation policy).
• Represent the institute at external meetings, parliamentary events, roundtables, advisory groups and consortiums.
• Manage briefings and engagement materials for senior scientists and the leadership team.

Strategic Communication and Impact

• Work with the communication team to promote the societal and economic impact of the institute’s research to policymakers and public audiences.
• Produce policy‑focused content such as impact case studies, position statements and contributions to government consultations.
• Support long‑term research impact goals by helping researchers identify policy windows and engagement opportunities.
• Provide rapid reactive commentary on policy announcements relevant to the institute’s field.

Internal Collaboration

• Collaborate with research leads, knowledge exchange and communication teams, and senior management to align policy messaging with institutional strategy.
• Provide training and guidance to researchers on policy engagement, evidence communication and best practice in government‑facing work.
• Support the development of bids, proposals and strategic research initiatives by providing policy context and stakeholder intelligence.
• Perform any other duties agreed with the line manager that are commensurate with the nature of the role.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications: Undergraduate degree essential – a degree in a relevant science area. Optional: experience in writing policy reports or briefings and engagement with UK government agencies.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or government relations, ideally within research, higher education or not‑for‑profit sectors. Broad scientific awareness across subjects and disciplines relevant to the work of the Quadram Institute. Understanding of the research environment. Experience of writing policy reports or briefings. Excellent planning, organisational and prioritisation skills. Experience engaging with UK government and agencies. Experience working on the science/policy interface. Optional: experience with communication teams, researchers, and stakeholders at senior levels.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels. Ability to interpret complex academic or technical information and communicate it clearly to non‑specialist audiences. Analytical, strategic thinker with strong organisational skills. Teamworking skills and the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and senior leadership.

Additional Requirements: Attention to detail. Promotes equality and values diversity. Willingness to embrace expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute. Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required. Basic outward‑facing role may involve travel within the UK.

Who We Are

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food‑related disease and human health. We are engaged in fundamental and translational research, alongside clinical studies and industry collaboration, to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise to deliver impacts on patient care and accelerate innovation. Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.