Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management

Vacancy Title

Head of Research Programmes Analysis, Development and Management

20/03/2026, 16:00

Permanent

£61,098 – £73,057 (Grade
7)

Cathays, Cardiff (Cardiff, Pan Wales)

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. This role focuses on designing, analysing and delivering strategic research and innovation programmes that deliver measurable outcomes for society, the economy and the environment.

• 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.

• Lead the analysis, development, and delivery of Welsh science and technology initiatives, ensuring value for money and measurable success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UKRI, research charities, and industry partners.
• Advise on administrative and policy matters affecting external research organisations and funders.
• Influence UK Government and UKRI strategies to ensure Welsh priorities are reflected and supported.
• Support the CSA in promoting scientific excellence, attracting investment, and maximising societal and economic benefits from RD&I.
• Maintain active links with the academic sector and contribute to strategic discussions on science and innovation.
• Analyse large volumes of research portfolio data and present findings to senior colleagues in a clear, concise format.
• Lead on data gathering, communications and event planning related to programme areas.
• Draft high-quality technical reports and Ministerial papers.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the CSA or Head of Science.

This is a high‑trust, high‑impact role. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, using your expertise and judgement to drive forward complex work programmes with minimal supervision. You’ll have significant discretion in how you approach your objectives and will be responsible for identifying and navigating issues with potential policy or political implications.

• The Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales is based in Cathays Park, Cardiff. The successful candidate will be expected to travel within Wales and elsewhere to visit stakeholders and others in pursuit of the role, including frequent travel to Cardiff CP2 for team meetings and workshops.
• An in‑tray exercise on Technical 1 will be required at interview.
• Interviews will be held in person at the Cathays Park office in Cardiff.
• A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
• In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the assessment criteria:
  Experience 2 & Technical 2.
• Where more than one candidate scores the same, the panel will determine the merit order by Experience 2, Technical 1, Experience 3, Technical 2, Experience 1.

Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, but are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.

Evidence to provide:
Experience questions and Technical exercises.

• Experience 1: Use of a higher degree (by research) such as a PhD or MRes in a relevant STEMM discipline in a science policy development context.
• Experience 2: Demonstrable…