Army - Science Impact & Engagement Manager

Ministry Of Defence; Test Valley; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental department is seeking a Science Impact & Engagement Manager to integrate human science research into the Army's personnel strategy. This role involves managing evidence for decision-making, collaborating with various departments, and communicating findings effectively. The candidate should have experience in personnel-related research and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. The position offers a salary of £44,590 plus benefits.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension

25 days annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience delivering personnel-related research to influence decision-making.
• Strong understanding of human science research methods, including ethical considerations.
• Ability to communicate technical outputs to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Identify science and research in support of Army People plans.
• Manage evidence provision for strategy and policy decisions.
• Collaborate to understand personnel lifecycle challenges.

Skills

Personnel-related research

Human science research methods

Technical communication

Project management

Knowledge management tools

Education

Relevant degree in science or social science

Tools

AI-enabled solutions (e.g., MOD GPT)

Job description

Overview

The Science Impact & Engagement Manager sits within the Science, Technology, Analysis, Insight & Research (STAIR) branch of the Personnel Directorate, in a cross-functional, busy Headquarters environment. As the Science Impact & Engagement Manager, you'll lead the integration of human science research, technology, and evidence into the Army's personnel strategy and decision-making. This role is advertised at 37 hours per week and is part of Defence, Environment for the Army People plans and strategic objectives.

This role operates in a multidisciplinary ecosystem that includes internal analysts, researchers, policy officials, programme teams, and external research bodies. Success requires understanding how scientific knowledge is generated, managed, and operationalised within Defence, navigating a diverse stakeholder landscape, and aligning research activities with evolving policy, planning, and operational needs. The environment is fast-paced and often ambiguous, shaped by long-term priorities and immediate business-as-usual demands.

This position joins the Army and contributes to policies and practices that affect the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment and training to wellbeing and veteran transition.

Responsibilities

• Identify and exploit science, research, and analysis in support of the Army People plans and strategic objectives (e.g. the Army People Plan and the Army Command Plan).
• Manage the provision of evidence to inform strategy, business cases, policy changes, planning decisions, and workforce interventions.
• Collaborate across the Personnel Directorate, and wider Army organisation, to understand challenges and opportunities throughout the personnel lifecycle (e.g. training, health, career development, inclusion, veterans).
• Build and maintain relationships with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Defence Science and Technology (DST) Scientific Advisors, internal analysts, and national/international Science and Technology bodies.
• Manage and evolve STAIR's knowledge tools, including the Personnel Research Library, Aide Memoires and Playbooks.
• Explore and apply modern knowledge technologies such as Co-Pilot, MOD GPT and other AI-enabled solutions.
• Develop and deliver communications tailored to both scientific and lay audiences using diverse media (e.g. Quick Briefs, podcasts, newsletters, presentations).
• Promote awareness and uptake of science-based insights across the Army.
• Support the Army Scientific Assessment Committee and coordinate reviews of personnel research.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience delivering and applying personnel-related research or analysis to influence decision-making, policy or practice in a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of a range of human science research methods, including limitations and ethical considerations.
• Proven ability to translate technical outputs into credible, engaging communication for different audiences.
• Desirable: Project management experience and/or qualifications.
• Desirable: Experience with knowledge management or digital information tools.
• Desirable: Familiarity with Defence or public sector environments.

Assessment & Selection

• We will assess against behaviours (Leadership, Working Together) and technical skills (GSE: Building and applying knowledge; GSE: Communicating science and engineering for Government).
• Presentation: You may be asked to deliver a 5-minute presentation on “Communicating science and engineering for Government.”
• Application sifting and interview processes follow, with timelines subject to business needs.

Benefits & Working Arrangements

• Salary of £44,590 plus a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme contribution of £12,917.
• Army benefits include 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days), flexible working where possible, and a range of development opportunities.
• Other benefits: EAP, enhanced parental/adoption leave, volunteering leave, and various learning and development options.

The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits to MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Security, Nationality & Diversity

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements. See the vetting charter and baseline personnel security standard.
• This job is broadly open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK, and certain EU/EEA/Swiss/LI nationals with settled or pre-settled status, among others. Full nationality details are provided in the original posting.
• The Civil Service Code and merit-based recruitment principles apply; the Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities, including Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).

Working for the Civil Service and Smarter Working: The Civil Service supports flexible working and aims for a healthy work-life balance, with expectations to be in the office as appropriate for impact and team needs.

Other Notes

• Note on sponsorship: UK immigration rules apply; this role does not meet the business-critical visa category and MOD will not sponsor a visa.
• Outside interests declarations are required after interview; some interests may require mitigations.
• MOD practises a zero-tolerance policy on unacceptable behaviours; pre-employment checks will be carried out.
• Smoking policy applies; smoke-free working environment is enforced across Defence.