Science officer

The ISC is the world’s largest international non-governmental science organization with a global membership bringing together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and more than 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research Councils.

The mission of the International Science Council is to be the global voice for science. As part of that mission, the ISC:

• Speaks for the value of all science and evidence-informed decision-making;
• Stimulates and supports international scientific research and scholarship on major issues of global concern;
• Articulates scientific knowledge on such issues in the public domain;
• Promotes the continued and equal advancement of scientific rigour, creativity and relevance in all parts of the world;
• Defends the free and responsible practice of science.

The Council convenes the scientific expertise and resources needed to lead on catalysing, incubating and coordinating impactful international action on issues of major scientific and public importance.

One of the ISC areas of work focuses on Policy for Science, to promote developments of science systems. The present position as Science Officer offers a unique opportunity for the right candidate to help ISC in this domain. Potential areas of expertise include for example the future of academic publishing, developments in research funding and the establishment of open science platforms.

The ISC Headquarters, located in Paris, brings together an international team of approximately 24 people and is connected with its three Regional Offices in South Africa, El Salvador and Malaysia.

The International Science Council (ISC) is seeking a Science Officer to assist with the planning and implementation of ISC’s mission.

Key roles and responsibilities

Reporting to the Science Director, the Science Officer will assist with the planning and implementation of ISC’s activities, as part of a small team of Science Officers. Examples of work tasks include managing time bound scientific projects, coordinating international initiatives and partnerships, and liaising and networking with ISC’s partners and members.

Experience and skills expected of the post holder

ISC is seeking candidates with the following:

Qualifications and knowledge

• An advanced scientific degree (Masters or equivalent) in a natural, social, health or engineering science discipline and a broad interest in science.
• Demonstrated experience (minimum 3 years) in science project/programme development and coordination/management.
• Knowledge of science and science systems internationally, including the interaction between academic work, research and publishing.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken; knowledge of French and other languages would be an advantage.

Skills

• Ability to analyse and summarise scientific information, to draft reports and to make presentations.
• Excellent organisational skills and the capacity to deliver on allocated tasks and to meet deadlines.
• Action-orientated, responsible and willing to take the initiative.
• Good interpersonal skills and readiness to work effectively within a multicultural and inter- disciplinary team environment.
• Experience of results-based management tools would be a plus.

Other useful information

Preferred start date: September 2019

Salary: competitive, dependent on the experience and qualifications of the candidate

Application procedure: Applicants are requested to send a curriculum vitae, cover letter and the contact details of three referees (preferably in one combined PDF file) via e-mail, with ‘Science Officer’ in the subject line, to [email protected]. The cover letter should be addressed to Dr Mathieu Denis, Science Director and should demonstrate the fit between the candidate’s profile and the above description, as well as indicating how serving in this position would support the candidate’s own career objectives.