Recruitment of New Members and Associate Members
The SSAC provides independent advice, through its Chair, to the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, to inform policy development and delivery across all areas of the Scottish Government’s work.
We are looking to appoint up to eight Members and up to three Associate Members to work alongside the existing Chair and members. Neither membership category is remunerated but reasonable expenses involved in attending meetings will be paid.
Member applications are sought from suitably qualified individuals who are experts and leaders in their own area, able to demonstrate a broad understanding of how science (including engineering and technology) can inform policy and/or practice. All applicants should be able to demonstrate connectivity to relevant networks in Scotland and further afield. Members are expected to be leaders in their fields of expertise, most likely in academia, business or industry. Experience in a similar advisory or policy environment is desirable. Member appointments will be for three years initially, with the possibility of a one year extension.
Associate Member applications are sought from early career researchers with relevant expertise and experience of cross-disciplinary working. Associate Member appointments will be for one year initially, with the possibility of up to two one-year extensions.
We particularly seek applications from individuals with experience relevant to Scottish Government priorities, for example in the transition to Net Zero and economic growth, and to broaden our membership by encouraging applications from individuals with relevant experience in engineering and technology, and from industry and business. Applications would be particularly welcome from those with a background in social sciences, biotechnologies and the life sciences, in climate change and the environment, and in marine sciences, to complement the strong academic backgrounds of the remaining current members
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed.
Please see application pack for full details and relevant application forms attached.
Closing date: Friday 20 March 2026, 23:59
Interviews will be held in person in St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh in late April/early May 2026.
For any further enquiries please email scottishscience@gov.scot.
SSAC welcomes applications from eligible candidates from diverse backgrounds and actively encourages applications from disabled people. Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.