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 'local, sub-national, national and international 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 within the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and specifically with the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre (C-PIC). The successful candidate will be capable of moving between a broad range of subject areas to support colleagues engage with a diverse range of policy stakeholders. 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 the intersection of new technologies enabled by photonics and how governments can harness these developments to kickstart economic growth will excel in this role. Candidates with a background in public affairs (particularly for third sector organisations), local or national government or parliamentary support roles (i.e. MP staffers, POST or Select Committee support staff) will be well suited to this opportunity. This role will work closely with senior leadership within the ORC 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 (you can find out more about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan here). We actively encourage applicants seeking flexible working/job share employment to accommodate caring/volunteering/educational commitments. The role is offered as full time (35 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 as a fixed term basis until August 2025 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.

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