Social Scientist with a background in food

We are recruiting a social or behavioural Scientist with a background in food to complement the diverse range of skill sets offered by the Council. As part of this role, you will be able to share nuanced insights into the wider societal landscape that influences food including the public values, needs and concerns of consumers. You will also bring methodological expertise in how to study the values and needs of relevant end users and the wider public to support the Council to generate work with socially beneficial outcomes. In addition, you will be able to support closer working between the Council and the Advisory Committee for Social Science on strategic issues of importance to the FSA. 

You will also advise our Chief Scientific Adviser, as well as the Board and FSA executive, on the use of science to deliver FSA objectives. Your expertise and experience should be relevant to FSA’s role, strategic priorities and reflect the FSA’s approach to science. FSA defines science in a broad and inclusive way, including the natural, physical, social and economic, digital and data sciences.  

As part of Science Council, you will provide the high-level, expert strategic insight and challenge needed to help us understand how we can deploy scientific evidence and advice to deliver our current strategic priorities. As part of your role in Science Council, you will also work with colleagues from a range of scientific disciplines, as well as non-scientific experts and lay members. 

You will have national or international reputation and be able to use your experience of multidisciplinary working and networks to help us understand new developments including current and evolving challenges, risks and opportunities to identify and develop new ways to deliver excellence in the future. We welcome applicants from outside the UK, provided they can attend meetings as needed. There will be the option to join some meetings ‘virtually’.