Agenda-Setting Fellows: Developing a Plastic Pollution Research Framework

Salary: You will remain on your current salary up to UKRI Band G (£62,452)

Hours: Part time secondment, at approximately 30-50%FTE. Precise working pattern to be agreed between NERC and the successful candidate

Contract Type: Fixed Term Secondment (up to 9 months)

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire/ hybrid

Closing date: 30th October 2023

The role is not open to sponsorship.

Agenda Setting Fellows:

NERC has launched a new scheme to embed high-quality scientific expertise and advice into our work and to support future commissioning and research opportunities.

The Fellowships offer individuals the opportunity to help NERC shape the future direction of an important area of environmental science policy or investment. It is intended that they will help the Fellows to develop insight into how a research funder operates, enable them to build their network across the UKRI landscape, and build experience of leading a programme of policy-oriented work in a complex funding landscape.

We are seeking candidates with the vision, skills and networks to lead potentially transformative work to scope out new activities or approaches to key issues. We encourage applications from a range of backgrounds, career stages, and career paths.

Developing a plastic pollution research framework 

This Fellowship will focus on developing a research and innovation agenda that complements and supports the objectives of the UN Treaty to end plastic pollution and aligns with the emerging UKRI portfolio of plastic pollution research – in particular, building on the research and innovation funded through the Smart sustainable plastic packaging programme (SSPP), led by Innovate UK.

The Fellow will be expected to produce an overview and roadmap for plastic pollution research to align with the emerging UKRI portfolio, the direction of the treaty and other national/ international priorities and strategic drivers. This overview will provide stakeholders (including academia, industry, policy makers and research technology organisations) with a clear line of sight of the required R&I, whilst strengthening the science to policy interface to support informed decision making.

Given Defra’s key role in the treaty negotiation process and the broader policy space, the Fellow will need to interface with relevant teams across the organisation and wider Defra family. The Fellow will also be expected to work closely with Innovate UK colleagues delivering the SSPP.

The precise programme of work will be agreed with the Fellow. Indicative milestones are:

1. Conduct a review of the current landscape in plastic pollution R&I - identifying gaps and opportunities in UKRI, the UK and internationally as appropriate.
2. Stakeholder mapping and engagement, including industry, policy (e.g. civil society organisations or NGOs) and the identification of other funding organisations for potential future collaborations with UKRI
3. Familiarisation with the Treaty process and objectives
4. Develop a roadmap for UKRI, detailing the evidence gaps and opportunities/ priority areas for plastics research (and identifying key stakeholders)

Application process 

Please provide a case for support (max 2-side A4) which:

• sets out your proposed programme of work
• demonstrates your ability to deliver the project 
• outlines how you fulfil the specified assessment criteria

Please provide a narrative CV (max 2-side A4) and a letter of support (max 1-side A4) from your Head of Department.

Interviews are expected to take place on 13th November.

Please apply online. If you experience any issues, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org

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