Senior and public appointments

We 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 of Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council

Closing date
2 November 2025
Salary
£94,931 to £117,800 each year
Contract type
Flexible options based around the successful candidates’ preferences and current professional commitments, including fixed-term, secondment, and permanent contract as well as hybrid working arrangements.
The minimum commitment duration is 36 months.
Hours
Minimum hours required is 0.8 FTE (Full FTE 37 hours) per week.
Grade
Band X
Interview date
26 November 2025

Are you a visionary leader, ready to inspire change in the environmental community?

We are seeking a dynamic, creative environmental science research leader with standing in the profession who thrives on making a difference in the science community and turning complex challenges into opportunities.

This isn’t just another role, it’s your chance to place cutting edge environmental science at the very heart of green growth and government priorities.

Read the Director of Research and Innovation candidate pack.


Deputy Director, External Affairs and Communications

Closing date
2 November 2025
Salary
£94,931 to £117,800 (plus £5,385 London Allowance) per annum, dependent on skills and experience (this is the full-time equivalent, actual salary will be pro rata for part-time hours).
Contract type
Open-ended
Hours
Full or part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)
Grade
Band X
Interview date
3 November 2025

The Deputy Director, External Affairs and Communications plays a pivotal leadership role within the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Communications function. They are responsible for shaping and delivering an integrated communications and engagement strategy that enhances the organisation’s visibility, credibility and influence.

This role is central to creating awareness and understanding of UKRI’s mission, impact, and priorities. The role will develop and lead high-impact campaigns, proactive external affairs strategies, and effective communications to support UKRI’s organisational goals and narrative.

Read the Deputy Director, External Affairs and Communications candidate pack.

Last updated: 15 October 2025

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