Scientific Advisory Committee Chair, Full Member, Associate Member and Lay Member Positions

Use Your Expertise to Influence National Policy

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking outstanding scientists, academics, researchers, industry professionals and subject matter experts to join its Scientific Advisory Committees and the Science Council. 

This is a unique opportunity for experts from academia, research institutes, healthcare organisations, industry and the wider public sector to contribute independent scientific advice that directly informs UK food policy and consumer protection. 

Find out more and apply via the 'Apply' button above. 

About the Food Standards Agency 

The FSA is an independent, non-ministerial department, established in 2000. Our job, set out in law, is to safeguard public health and protect the interests of consumers in relation to food. Our fundamental mission is food you can trust. By food you can trust, we mean a food system in which food is safe, food is what it says it is and food is healthier and more sustainable.  

The FSA operates at the forefront of some of the most important and complex issues facing the UK food system, from emerging food technologies and food safety risks to protecting consumers' interests.

The FSA's Scientific Advisory Committees and the Science Council are central to this work, providing independent, expert advice that informs policy and decision-making. Their expertise helps the FSA protect public health and ensure consumers can trust the food they buy.

Roles Available 

We are recruiting for Chair, Full Member, Associate Member and Lay Member positions across a range of Scientific Advisory Committees. 

As a committee member, you will:

• Apply your scientific, technical or professional expertise to issues of national importance.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities affecting the food system.
• Work alongside leading academics, researchers and industry experts.
• Support robust, transparent and evidence-based decision-making.
• Provide a consumer perspective to help ensure that the committee's advice reflects public interests and concerns. 

Areas of Expertise Sought

We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in the following areas: 

Toxicology and Risk Assessment

• Toxicology
• Pathology
• Neurotoxicity
• Exposure assessment
• Food allergy
• Allergenicity
• Interpretation of 90-day toxicity studies
• Chemical contaminants in food 

Microbiology

• Food microbiology 

Genetics, Biotechnology and Novel Foods

• Plant genetics
• Genetic technologies
• Novel foods
• Proteomics
• Metabolomics 

Animal Health, Feed and Agriculture

• Veterinary science
• Animal feed safety including the assessment of novel feed materials and emerging risks
• Aquaculture
• Monogastrics
• Animal trials
• Agricultural systems
• Farming systems 

Statistics and modelling

• Statistical methodology, policy design and decision-making
• Modelling including benchmark dose modelling
• Risk modeller with expertise in quantitative/complex risk modelling and uncertainty analysis

Social Science and Consumer Research

• Behavioural science
• Consumer attitudes and behaviour
• Survey methodology
• Qualitative methods
• Participatory methods
• Digital methods
• Artificial intelligence
• Food innovation
• Risk management and communication 

Economics and Policy

• Applied Public Health Economist, with expertise in microeconomic, macroeconomic, behavioural, and/or political economy approaches 

Food Systems and Food Industry Innovation

• Industrial food production and distribution processes 

Opportunities for Established and Emerging Experts

We are committed to developing the next generation of scientific advisers and welcome applications from both established and emerging experts. 

Candidates who may not yet meet the criteria for a Full Member appointment may be considered for an Associate Member role, providing valuable experience of advisory committee work and scientific policy development. 

Help Shape the Future of Food Safety in the UK

Join a diverse network of leading experts and help ensure that UK food safety, consumer protection and public health policy continue to be informed by the highest-quality scientific evidence. 

Apply your expertise. Influence national policy. Protect consumers. 

Find out more and apply via the 'Apply' button above.