Scientific Officer

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports. The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery. An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead on providing support to the Animals in Science Committee (ASC) in its activities to deliver under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This includes self-commissioned work streams as well as those commissioned by the Home Office. The ASC is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. The ASC Secretariat supports the Committee's provision of independent scientific advice to deliver against its key priorities set out below:

• to advise the Secretary of State on all matters concerning the use of animals in scientific procedures
• to advise animal welfare bodies on sharing best practice within the UK
This role will allow you to work with a range of experts on the use of animals in scientific procedures, as well as a range of policy leads and other key stakeholders. The ASC Secretariat supports the Committee in providing independent scientific advice to the Home Office on the use of animals in scientific procedures. The post holder will support the Head of Office for the Animals in Science Committee in enabling the Committee to fulfil its functions. In this sensitive and fast-moving area of work, the post holder will often be the Committee's first point of contact. They will engage frequently with stakeholders at all levels, including the Chair, Subgroup Chairs, Committee Members, senior policy colleagues, and a range of stakeholders, including cross-government, academia and industry. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the Committee in prioritising multiple, competing work streams. Working pattern Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis. However, compressed hours are available. Responsibilities
• Organising Committee meetings, including preparing agendas, drafting meeting minutes, and drafting papers and reports for discussion.
• Leading on the secretarial support for one or more of the Committee's Subgroup, who take forward standing or topic-specific pieces of work within the remit of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
• Coordinating responses to Freedom of Information requests, Parliamentary Questions and correspondence.
• Managing the logistics for ASC meetings, including booking venues, travel, and accommodation for Committee members, and processing expenses claims efficiently.
• Maintaining the ASC's website and electronic filing systems.