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.


Deputy Executive Chair, EPSRC

Closing date
10 March 2025, 11:59pm UK time
Salary
£91,943 to £99,000
Contract type
Open-ended, secondees and transfers welcome, minimum duration two years
Hours
Full-time or part-time, minimum 0.6 full-time equivalent
Location
Based at Polaris House, Swindon, with regular travel required
Grade
X
Interview date
10 and 16 April at Caxton House, London

As Deputy Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) you will be a senior member of UK Research and Innovation. You will use your in-depth understanding of engineering and physical sciences research and its potential to advance all areas of science to:

  • drive innovation in the research funding system
  • develop priority areas for future investment
  • communicate this vision passionately to our key partners

Read the Deputy Executive Chair Candidate Prospectus.


Director of HR Business Partnering, UKRI

Closing date
10 March 2025, 11:59pm UK time
Salary
£91,943 to £99,000 each year (depending on skills and experience)
Contract type
Open-ended
Hours
Full-time
Location
Swindon. Hybrid working available with regular travel to UKRI locations
Grade
X
Interview date
In person in London, early April 2025

We are seeking an experienced human resources (HR) leader to join us as the Director of HR Business Partnering.

You will lead a team of 16 HR Business Partners, supporting leaders across UKRI to maximise the potential of our 8,500 people.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for delivering outstanding strategic HR business partnering across UKRI.

Read the Director of HR Business Partnering, UKRI candidate pack.


Chief of Operational Delivery, UKRI

Closing date
30 March 2025
Salary
£110,000 to £120,000, depending on
skills and experience
Contract type
Open ended. Secondees and transfers welcome.
Job shares also considered.
Hours
Full time
Grade
Y
Interview date
Expected to be held in person the week commencing Monday 14 April at our London office.

The Chief of Operational Delivery (COD) will work closely with members of the Executive and Operational Leadership team to achieve the successful strategic leadership, management and effective operation of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

As a member of the Operational Leadership team and observer at the Executive Committee, the COD will contribute to discussions and decision-making at executive level. They will bring a dynamic, service-oriented and commercial mindset to UKRI planning and operations.

Read the UKRI Chief of Operational Delivery candidate prospectus.


Director of ISIS, STFC

Closing date
30 March 2025, 11:59pm UK time
Salary
 £103,000 to £115,000
Contract type
Open-ended
Hours
Full-time
Grade
X
Interview date
23 April 2025
Outcomes communicated
To be confirmed

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (ISIS) is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences, located at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

You will provide visible and inspiring leadership to the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source leading the ongoing development and operation of ISIS.

By doing this, you will deliver STFC’s corporate vision and implement our delivery plan by maintaining ISIS as a world-leading facility for neutron and muon research.

Read the Director of ISIS, STFC candidate pack.


Research and Development Mission Programme: Challenge Directors

Closing date
20 April 2025, 11:59pm UK time
Salary
£91,943 to £99,000
Contract type
Three year fixed term contract with possibility of future one year extension. We welcome secondments.
Hours
Full time or part time (minimum 0.8 full-time equivalent) flexible arrangements will be considered.
Grade
Band X
Interview date
To be confirmed
Outcomes communicated
Via Perrett Laver

We are seeking dynamic leaders from diverse backgrounds in research, innovation or business to bring their creativity and vision to our Mission Research and Innovation Challenges.

The Challenge Director role is crucial to the success of the Research and Development Missions Programme, serving as a champion for the role of research and innovation in addressing critical, complex issues identified by the UK government’s missions.

If you have any questions, email: challenge.directors@perrettlaver.com

Last updated: 13 March 2025

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