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The newly-formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has opened recruitment for a national technology adviser, a high-profile role which will involve leading on technology across government.

The national technology adviser will report to DSIT’s permanent secretary Sarah Munby and the government’s new chief scientific adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean, who takes over from Sir Patrick Vallance on 1 April. The post holder will also work as DSIT’s chief scientific adviser. According to the job advert, success in the role will require “a fantastic network across a combination of science, technology and digital arenas”, deep experience of innovation and technology development in a relevant industry and “a first-class reputation in technology demonstrated by high status international recognition”. 

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"The National Technology Adviser  is a high-profile and influential role critical to ensuring the UK can realise the benefits of new technologies to boost the economy, ensure national security and tackle the greatest challenges of the day," the job advert said. "The post holder will ensure the secretary of state for DSIT is provided with the highest quality advice on science, innovation, and technology, with a particular focus on advising how government policy should be shaped to grow strategic advantage through science and technology for the UK. This will involve working closely across industry, academia and senior government ministers and officials in the UK and overseas. The right candidate will bring deep expertise in innovation and technology, combined with the ability to communicate, influence, set direction, and deliver. This is an exciting opportunity to shape decision-making at the future frontiers of government policy and to have an impact across a broad range of... government goals.

A briefing pack published with the advert says the job will involve working with people in industry, academia, senior officials and government ministers, the last including expert advice to a cabinet sub-committee on science and technology.

The director general-level role is for a fixed term of up to three years on SCS pay band 3, with a salary of £135,000 for those joining the civil service. It is open to part-time, pro rata working so the post holder could continue to work in industry, although the briefing pack notes this would be subject to mitigation of conflicts of interest, or to a secondment. Applications are open until midday on 25 April with interviews taking place from 12 June.