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- Tasks: Engage with policymakers and support impactful research in the Faculty of Medicine.
- Company: Join a diverse team at a leading Russell Group university.
- Benefits: Part-time role with generous holiday, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public policy and health sciences while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or government, especially in health-related fields.
- Other info: Encourages applications from under-represented groups and offers career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Working at the University of Southampton: Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
Specialist Policy Officer (Faculty of Medicine) in Southampton employer: University of South Hampton
Contact Detail:
University of South Hampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Policy Officer (Faculty of Medicine) in Southampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the field! Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups related to public policy and healthcare. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that Specialist Policy Officer role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in influencing decision-makers and your knowledge of cancer sciences or primary care. Tailor your pitch to show how you can enhance their policy impact!
✨Be Ready for Informal Chats
Don’t wait for formal interviews to showcase your passion! If you get a chance to speak with someone from the University of Southampton, be prepared to discuss your ideas on policy engagement and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our commitment to diversity and inclusion!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Policy Officer (Faculty of Medicine) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Specialist Policy Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to enhancing public policy impact in the Faculty of Medicine!
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you've got a background in public affairs or have worked with government bodies, make it shine! We’re looking for candidates who can influence decision-makers, so share specific examples of your past successes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your passion for the role comes through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the University of Southampton.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of South Hampton
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current public policy issues, especially those related to health and medicine. Familiarise yourself with the University of Southampton's research impact and how it aligns with local and global policy agendas. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making a real difference.
✨Engage with Examples
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced decision-makers or engaged with policymakers. Whether it's through your work in public affairs or your understanding of cancer sciences, having concrete stories ready will help you stand out.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role is all about building connections across various disciplines. Be ready to discuss how you've worked in diverse teams before and how you can bring that collaborative mindset to the Faculty of Medicine. Highlight any experience you have in engaging with different stakeholders, from local councils to international organisations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about the role or the team. This could be about their current projects or how they measure the impact of their policy engagement. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if this is the right fit for you.
