Policy Advisor, Sustainable Chemicals

The Royal Society of Chemistry seeks a Policy Advisor, Sustainable Chemicals to join us on a permanent basis. This role is available on a full-time or potentially part-time basis if role requirements can be met (please include your availability in your application).

The Policy Advisor is an exciting, fast-paced role, offering you the opportunity to work on topical policy issues and commission cutting-edge policy research, in order to further chemistry and the chemical sciences for the good of humanity. 

As a Policy Advisor for the Royal Society of Chemistry you will be influential at the science-policy interface to gather evidence on a range of chemicals policy issues and maintain awareness of the chemicals policy landscape and associated science. You will organise member engagement events and prepare associated written materials, and will write briefs and policy positions based on the evidence. Building internal and external networks, especially with Government, you will develop your personal specialism in safe and sustainable chemicals and will use your knowledge and the scientific evidence to influence policymakers and to be an active member of our Policy & Evidence team.

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) employs over 600 staff and is a not-for-profit organisation with a thriving global community of over 45,000 members. We are an internationally renowned publisher of high quality chemical science knowledge and the professional body for chemists in the UK, with a reputation as an influential champion for the chemical sciences. The RSC reinvests all of our income to achieve our charitable objectives in support of the chemical sciences community and advancing chemistry.

Our science policy activities cover issues that affect chemistry research and innovation and also areas such as chemicals policy and environment, where scientific evidence plays a vital role in good policy making.

We are looking for someone who understands how Government and other key decision-makers develop policies that affect how chemicals are managed and regulated in society. This includes how science and the practice of chemistry can be used to influence the chemicals policy landscape.

The Royal Society of Chemistry will support your development and reward your contribution with competitive benefits, including excellent training, employee empowerment and the chance to make a positive difference to society.

The contractual base for this role is our Cambridge or London office, however we are currently embracing hybrid working, and therefore you will have the opportunity to work from a location other than this, as agreed with your line manager. Applicants should be aware that there is an expectation that employees will attend the offices as needed for their role. There is scope for flexible working (particularly around start and finish times and homeworking) provided the needs of the role can be met. The role will involve UK travel, mainly to London, and some evening and very occasional weekend work.

If you are an excellent communicator who quickly grasps both the big picture and the detail of a range of science policy issues affecting chemistry, especially those relevant to chemicals policy, and can respond to new problems by effectively collaborating with others to solve them, we would love to hear from you.

Please view and download the full job description here.