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Specialist Policy Officer - Sustainability and Resilience

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 in the interdisciplinary Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI). The successful candidate will be capable of moving between a broad range of subject areas to support colleagues a diverse range of disciplines. 

SRI’s vision is a sustainable and resilient world where synergies and trade-offs are well-managed between social, economic, environmental, and cultural needs across society. We are a focal point for collaboration through mobilising University of Southampton (UoS) expertise and partners to provide impactful answers to society’s sustainability and resilience challenges.

This role will contribute to the successful delivery of this vision by delivering specialised policy engagement support to researchers within the interdisciplinary Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI). The role will enable the Institute to identify and engage with relevant policy makers in the UK and overseas to enhance the impact of its strategic research themes which cover decarbonisation, climate change, health and wellbeing, and nature based solutions, across regional, national and international scales

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 2 year fixed term basis with an ambition that, should funding be agreed, the position would be extended.

If you would like to know more about the please contact the Sustainability & Resilience Institute Collaboration Manager, Jon Lawn via j.p.lawn@soton.ac.uk 

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!

Further details:

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

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.


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Job Details
Section
Research Strategy & Funding
Location:
Highfield Campus
Salary
£36,636 to £41,064 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 24 months
Closing Date:
Wednesday 15 October 2025
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
3210025TW
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