Policy Adviser

The Royal Society is seeking an enthusiastic person to join as a Policy Adviser in its Policy Section, to work initially within the Education and Skills Policy team. The Policy Section works on policy topics that cut across policy related science and the scientific ecosystem in the UK, which includes education and skills.

The scope of the Society’s Education Policy is broad and currently focuses on education up to age 19. The overarching goal of Education Policy is to ensure that provision in schools and colleges meets the needs of a fast‑moving science, technology and data‑driven world and prepares future citizens with the knowledge and skills to lead fulfilling lives. Current areas of activity include:

• Exploring how best to achieve a broader, more balanced and connected education;
• Improving the infrastructure of education research across the UK;
• Implementing recommendations from a landmark report on mathematical and data education;
• Supporting a skilled and specialist teaching workforce in science and mathematics;
• The role of AI in education.

We are seeking a person with an interest in contributing to the policy agenda for the future of education in schools and colleges. Initially, the successful applicant will contribute to policy activity focused on long‑term educational reform to meet the future needs of UK society and economy, including:

• Technical education and training;
• Mathematical and data education;
• Computing and data skills;
• The skills needs of a low carbon and sustainable economy.

A demonstrable agility across policy themes, whether through prior experience or a clear willingness and interest to develop in new areas, will be looked on favourably in candidates. Together with an interest in science or education policy, the ideal candidate will have experience of policy, academic or social research, and be able to write clearly to meet the needs of different audiences. They will be expected to develop and plan small events like workshops and seminars, and manage internal and externally commissioned projects. 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. The Royal Society’s mission is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Science Policy team works with the Society’s Fellows, Foreign Members and other experts to develop and promote independent, expert and timely advice to UK, European and international decision makers. Policy is a central and influential part of the Society’s activities, and the Society, as an independent voice, has built up an enviable reputation for the quality and breadth of its policy work.

The Science Policy team comprises around 40+ staff working across a range of themes and policy areas. It works closely with the Media Relations, Public Affairs, Public and Schools Engagement, International Affairs and Diversity and Industry Programme teams to deliver its objectives. It also collaborates with other academies, learned societies, funding agencies, civil servants and Parliamentarians, NGOs and the private sector.

Reports to: Senior Policy Adviser, Education and Skills

Pay band: C

Salary: £35,000 - £38,500 pa

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG plus the option for some hybrid remote working.

Closing date for applications: 10 May 2026.

Interviews will be held: first stage: 20th and 21st May 2026.

Please note a DBS check is required for this role.