3830 - Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management

The Welsh Government Office for Science, led by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that government programmes, policies and decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence and strategic foresight.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead on the design, analysis and delivery of strategic research and innovation programmes. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy and public impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead strategic partnerships with key research funders such as Medr (Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) and other national and international RD&I bodies.
• Advise on funding mechanisms, delivery structures and research translation, ensuring that science and technology investments deliver real-world benefits.
• Conduct performance analysis of Welsh Government, UKRI and European Commission-funded programmes to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how future programmes can be improved.
• Provide expert advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales on science and technology policy, evidence generation, and programme impact.

Science is about more than discovery — it’s about impact. This role ensures that research programmes are not only well-designed but also deliver measurable outcomes that benefit society, the economy and the environment. You’ll help shape how Wales invests in science and innovation, ensuring maximum return on investment and long-term strategic value.

Do you have a higher degree (by research), such as a PhD or MRes in a relevant life sciences, health or physical sciences or other STEMM discipline?

Proof of STEMM higher degree qualification will need to be provided at interview.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

The selection process and stages are:

Number of Stages:2 stage process

Stage 1Application Form

Stage 2Interview

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.