Mid Career Scientists and Engineers Secondment Scheme

Apply your scientific or engineering leadership to some of the UK’s most complex policy and delivery challenges.

The Government Office for Science is offering up to five secondments for experienced scientists and engineers who are ready to step into senior leadership roles in government. You will work in a government department on policy or programme delivery, bringing your leadership experience, judgement and analytical skills to decisions that affect public services and national priorities.

This is a rare opportunity to broaden your leadership beyond your current technical domain, gain first-hand experience of how government operates at senior level, and build lasting relationships across the Civil Service, academia, industry and the wider public sector. Participants will remain employed by their current organisation, with salary reimbursed up to £100,000 per annum by the Government Office for Science. Secondments are expected to last up to 15 months and end on or before 31 March 2028.

The deadline for Applications is 23:55 on the 9th September 2026.

What you will do:

Successful candidates will take on senior leadership roles in government, working on policy or programme delivery. Roles will typically involve shaping policy, leading high-priority programmes, advising on complex cross-cutting issues, or helping government make better use of science, engineering and technology.

These roles are not defined by technical specialism. They require the ability to work across disciplines, bring together evidence, lead people, manage ambiguity and contribute to complex decision-making. You may lead strategic planning, manage senior stakeholder relationships, support innovation or help translate evidence into practical decisions and delivery.

You can expect to gain insight into how evidence is used in government decision-making, work alongside senior officials and ministers, and build networks across government and external sectors.

What you will gain:

You will receive a structured induction and leadership development offer, including learning, mentoring and support from GO-Science and your host department. This will help you understand Civil Service functions, senior leadership expectations and how evidence is used in government decision-making.

At the end of the secondment, you will return to your employer with enhanced leadership experience, broader networks and a deeper understanding of government policy and delivery.

Who should apply

This opportunity is for experienced scientists and engineers outside the Civil Service who wish to broaden their leadership, apply their expertise in public service, and contribute to national goals. We welcome applications from people in academia, industry, charity and the wider public sector who meet the essential criteria. Current civil servants are not eligible for this scheme - any non-eligible applications will be withdrawn. If you are unsure as to your status as a civil servant, please contact your organisational HR rep for advice.

Candidates must have employer support to apply. You will remain employed by your current organisation throughout the secondment. Your employer will need to support your application and, if you are successful, enter into a formal secondment agreement with the Government Office for Science and your prospective host department. Your current salary will be reimbursed up to £100,000 per annum by GO-Science.

By applying for this scheme, candidates confirm that they have discussed their application with their employers and have approval in place to support participation for the full length of the secondment.

You hold a relevant STEM postgraduate qualification or equivalent qualification at Level 7 or above, and a professional qualification that demonstrates depth of scientific or engineering knowledge and its practical application in your career. Holding a PhD within a STEM discipline would be adequate to fulfil both requirements.

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)

To apply for this scheme, please apply via the ‘Apply Now’ button at the foot of the advert on Civil Service Jobs website.

You will need to register for a Civil Service Jobs account to complete your application.

The application process will include:

• The Civil Service Judgement Test
• an online application form, including information on qualifications, employment history, skills and experience, and a 1,000-word personal statement
• Virtual interview for shortlisted candidates, including a short exercise.

Full details of the selection criteria and application guidance are set out in the candidate pack.

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