The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is one of the biggest organisations in the Civil Service, with a total workforce of 196,720, which includes civil servants and military personnel, people based in the UK and overseas, and 31,480 military reservists. This is an incredibly exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence. The Integrated Review, published in 2021, and Defence Command Paper, refreshed in 2023, reinforcing commitment to the nuclear deterrent along with the announcement to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, provides a strong mandate to deliver the MOD’s mission to protect the nation and help it prosper.

The MOD is seeking its new Chief Scientific Advisor who will be the principal advisor to MOD Ministers and senior officials on all aspects of science and technology in the MOD. They ensure objective analysis of the department’s investments, scientific risk and championing operational analysis across the broad scope of science and technology including specialist areas of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Missile Defence. As such, the CSA exercises pivotal influence over the future trajectory of Defence, including supporting decisions on future equipment acquisitions, the nuclear deterrent, and assisting in the delivery of future battle winning technologies.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a first-class, internationally recognised reputation in science or engineering with a track record of significant research output and application. They will bring experience of operating in a complex stakeholder environment with the ability to build and develop influential networks across academia, government and industry, both nationally and internationally. They will be able to evidence sound judgement as well as strategic and operational leadership to deliver result on time and budget at a high level.

The MOD will be advised and supported in this appointment process by their executive search partner Perrett Laver.

For an informal conversation please contact Annabel Holt on Annabel.Holt@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 7340 6219.

The closing date for applications is no later than 23.55 BST on Wednesday 16th October.

• Your CV, with educational and professional qualifications and full employment history, including an explanation of any gaps in your employment history, and details where possible of budgets and numbers of people.
• A short covering statement of no more than two A4 sized pages (1000 words) explaining why this appointment interests you and how you can evidence your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the ‘what are we looking for’ section on page 8.
• You will also be asked to complete a diversity monitoring form.

Perrett Laver believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. A broad range of perspectives, backgrounds and opinions amongst our global community of colleagues is crucial in maintaining our culture of openness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. We take an active role in supporting under-represented communities and groups in becoming better and more fairly represented in the leadership of all organisations. We also know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our ability to identify, engage and secure candidates from these groups.

Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, identity, and experience drives us every day – for clients, for candidate identification and in the recruitment, development and retention of colleagues. 

To ensure inclusion on the basis of age, disability, ethnic or national origin, family circumstance, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, political or religious beliefs, race, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, we would like to specifically invite applications from under-represented groups.

For a conversation in confidence, please contact Annabel Holt on Annabel.Holt@perrettlaver.com. 

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Esther Elbro on Esther.Elbro@perrettlaver.com.

 If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via accessibility@perrettlaver.com.

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