Chief Scientific Adviser (0.6 FTE)

This is a rare opportunity to bring your scientific expertise to the forefront of protecting public health and ensuring trust in the food we eat.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is a non-ministerial department of over 1600 people. We play a critical role in protecting public health and consumers’ wider interests in food across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our vision is an important one - to drive change, delivering “food you can trust” and working towards a healthier and more sustainable food system.

The FSA is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA). Science is at the heart of everything we do, and this role is critical in ensuring that the evidence we gather is robust, relevant, and effectively used to inform our strategy and policymaking. As CSA, you will provide independent, expert advice to both the FSA Board and Executive Team, helping to shape our strategic direction and ensuring that our decisions are grounded in the best available scientific knowledge.

You will play a vital assurance role, guiding our response to both long-term risks and urgent food safety incidents, and helping us maintain public trust in food. You will act as a key member of the Executive Management Team, reporting to the Board with a direct line to the Chair. The role is well supported by a dedicated team within our Science, Evidence and Research directorate, who help drive forward the CSA’s agenda and scientific engagement.

We are looking for a highly credible scientist with a national or international reputation in a field relevant to the FSA’s work. You will have experience advising on the policy or applied implications of scientific research, and a strong understanding of how science and evidence inform decision-making. You will be a skilled communicator, able to explain complex scientific issues clearly and persuasively to senior decision-makers, the media, and the public. Your ability to influence at Board level, operate effectively in high-pressure situations, and collaborate across disciplines will be key to your success.

This is a part-time (60%) position. While there are regular commitments in London, attending FSA meetings and events, we offer flexibility in terms of location and working pattern. What matters most is your scientific capability, your credibility, and your commitment to making a meaningful impact on public health and food safety.

If you are passionate about science and its role in protecting consumers, and you are ready to bring your leadership and expertise to one of the UK’s most trusted public bodies, we would love to hear from you.