UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recruit for both senior and public appointments. These include members of the UKRI Board, Executive Chairs, part-time office holders and all other senior roles across UKRI at Band X and Y (equivalent to Senior Civil Service).
We employ a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring recruitment that is diverse, fair and open, creating equal opportunity at all times. Public appointments are ultimately made by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Director for Quantum, Innovate UK
- Closing date
- 8 March 2026
- Salary
- £94,931 to £117,800 each year
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Open-ended
- Grade
- X
- Interview date
- Week commencing 16 March 2026
Quantum technology is recognised a key growth opportunity by the UK government and one in which the UK has the opportunity to be world leading. After a number of years of technological development, we are now transitioning into the commercialisation period.
We are seeking an exceptional leader who can define and create the new approaches required to ensure that the UK’s rapidly developing quantum technology companies grow, scale and remain in the UK.
This will require vision, influence, the ability to manage a complex stakeholder network and the programme leadership competence to deliver a £600 million plus portfolio of activities.
Read the Director of Quantum applicant pack.
Chief Operating Officer, BBSRC
- Closing date
- 15 March 2026
- Salary
- £94,931 to £117,800 each year
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Until 1 February 2028
- Grade
- X
- Interview date
- Week commencing 27 April 2026
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is a significant role within our Executive Leadership Team and aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) strategy. You will enable BBSRC to continue its influential roles in research and innovation within UKRI and beyond.
The COO will command the confidence of the BBSRC Executive Chair and Council, as well as other members of the BBSRC Executive and UKRI senior leaders.
You will need to be able to work proactively at the interface between professional, academic and government communities, and between staff at all levels in the organisation. As an effective communicator and empathic listener, you will operate effectively across organisational boundaries. As a creative thinker and influential collaborator, you will combine drive and political acumen with the highest standards of behaviour.
Note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Apply for the Chief Operating Officer role on the UKRI careers website.
Programme Director, NERC
- Closing date
- 29 March 2026
- Salary
- £94,931 to £117,800 each year
- Hours
- Full time or part time
- Contract type
- Open ended
- Grade
- X
- Interview date
- TBC
- Outcomes communicated
- TBC
As Programme Director for Clean Energy and Growth, your systems view will shape UKRI’s contribution to the government’s clean energy sector plan and the UK’s broader net zero ambitions.
You will provide clear and authoritative insight into this complex and competitive field. You will enable informed research and innovation investments that attract industry leverage and maximise the economic and societal benefits of the clean energy transition.
Apply for the Programme Director role on the UKRI careers website.
Last updated: 10 March 2026