UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recruits 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 Business, Science, Innovation and Technology.
Deputy Chief People Officer
- Closing date
- 10 August 2026
- Salary
- £94,931
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Permanent
- Grade
- X
- Interview date
- Week commencing 24 August 2026
We are seeking an exceptional senior HR leader to join UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as Deputy Chief People Officer. They will report to the Chief People Officer and will play a pivotal part in leading the HR function. They will deliver our new People Strategy and support the organisation through an ambitious programme of organisational transformation.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Deputy Chief People Officer will provide strategic leadership across the full people agenda. They will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and lead on complex organisational and workforce matters.
The postholder will deputise for the Chief People Officer as required, representing the function at Executive Committee and other senior governance forums. They will lead UKRI’s engagement with our recognised trade unions and play a key role in shaping organisational strategy and major transformation programmes.
See more information in the Deputy Chief People Officer Candidate Pack (PDF, 2MB)
Apply for the role of Deputy Chief People Officer on UKRI Careers
STFC Transformation Programme Director
- Closing date
- 23 August 2026
- Salary
- £94,931
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Fixed
- Grade
- X
- Interview date
- 17 September 2026
- Outcomes communicated
- 28 September 2026
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most significant organisational transformation programmes within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). As Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Transformation Director, you will provide strategic leadership for STFC’s transformation. You will help shape the future operating model of an organisation of approximately 3,000 people and ensure it remains financially sustainable, operationally effective and fit for the future.
Working at executive level, you will lead a complex portfolio of change spanning people, culture, governance, processes and organisational design. You will build alignment across senior leaders and stakeholders, translating strategic ambition into deliverable outcomes and ensuring transformational benefits are realised at pace.
The role is critical to:
- delivering sustainable financial, operational and cultural change
- strengthening STFC’s long-term resilience
- enabling the continued delivery of world-class science, engineering and technology in support of UKRI and government priorities
See more information in the STFC Transformation Programme Director candidate pack (PDF, KB)
Apply for the role of STFC Transformation Programme Director on UKRI Careers
Executive Chair, Research England
- Closing date
- 30 August 2026
- Salary
- £160,000 to £170,000 each year
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Open ended (permanent)
- Grade
- X
- Interview date
- 9 October 2026
The Executive Chair of Research England will be a dynamic and inspirational leader who will spearhead research excellence and knowledge exchange across England’s higher education institutions, as well as taking the lead on various UK-wide initiatives.
As the Executive Chair of Research England, they will lead a dedicated team of over 100 people across multiple locations. In addition, they will work closely with the Research England Council and take overall responsibility for setting the strategic vision for Research England as well as contributing to the direction of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). As a visible and credible leader, the Executive Chair will have a significant role in championing UKRI’s relationships across the higher education sector, the other UK higher education funding bodies, as well as the Office for Students.
See more information in the Executive Chair Candidate Pack (PDF, 664KB)
Apply for the role of Executive Chair, Research England on UKRI Careers
Last updated: 3 August 2026