About

Circa: Salary - Salary Plan, 38,000.00 GBP Annual We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Officer to become a key part of our Science Communities team on a permanent basis. You’ll help shape and deliver impactful programmes that connect and support our Science Communities and the Heads of Chemistry UK. In this role you will: Work with programme specialists to provide secretariat to our Science Community Councils and the Heads of Chemistry UK. Manage projects that support the Science Communities programme, including activities such as governance meetings, scientific workshops and symposia. Serve as a point of contact to provide general support and advice to RSC Science Communities. Develop and support cross-team collaboration by linking Science Communities with our conferences, prizes & grants, member networks, communications and policy initiatives. Support and continuously improve operational aspects of the team’s work, encompassing member communications, webpages and internal processes. Contribute to strategic projects to enable interdisciplinary collaboration and to address emerging priorities in the chemical sciences. Manage financial processes and payments as required. Undertake ad-hoc tasks, including minute-taking, research, analysis and reporting on the progress of our Science Community programmes. What we are looking for: Relevant background in science or engineering and/or science programme administration, with an interest in science and technology. Strong organisational, project and time management skills with the ability to balance and prioritise across multiple projects, tasks and deadlines. Strong stakeholder engagement skills with ability to develop effective relationships with a variety of diverse people, with strong written and oral communication skills. Initiative and ability to work in teams and independently. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to use and learn Microsoft packages and bespoke in-house IT systems. An awareness of aspects of the research and innovation environment (e.g. research funding, higher education, science and the economy) would be beneficial. At the RSC we embrace flexibility and offer hybrid working, which means our teams come together when they need to collaborate. It is expected that you will attend the office two days per week, with the addition that you may need to attend more regularly for in-person events and meetings. This role will involve some UK travel. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application. If you are interested in this role, please apply by the closing date 16/11/25. When applying, you will need to provide an up-to-date CV and as a cover letter (in no more than 500 words) telling us about your relevant knowledge, skills and competencies and why you are applying for this role. About the RSC The Royal Society of Chemistry is a not-for-profit organisation with a thriving international community of around 60,000 members in over 100 countries, an internationally renowned publisher of high-quality chemical science knowledge and the professional body for chemists in the UK, with a reputation as an influential champion for the chemical sciences. Our purpose is ‘to help the chemical sciences community make the world a better place’. We believe that people thrive in institutions and organisations where they feel they belong, and diversity of thought, perspective and experience are essential for individuals and organisations to be successful. Through our long-term commitment to inclusion and diversity, we have developed multiple interventions, demonstrating a thought-leadership position to drive change in the culture of chemistry. Our Inclusion and Diversity strategy pushes us harder and further than ever before. We aim to increase the diversity of people choosing the chemical sciences and fulfilling their potential for a truly inclusive community. Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us, our benefits, equal opportunities statement and inclusive culture pledge. At the RSC, we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates. As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this, we are flexible in the ways we give and receive information. If you would like to apply using a different format, please contact the Recruitment Team at jobs@rsc.org or on +44 (0) 1223 432229 and we will do our best to put any reasonable adjustments in place. If you have any questions, please contact us at jobs@rsc.org Being part of the Royal Society of Chemistry is to be at the heart of a dedicated, forward-thinking and passionate collection of people. You’ll find opportunities to work in publishing, membership, sales, marketing, communications, technology and finance, community outreach, and many others. Everything we do, no matter the area, is to support a global scientific community. The groups we work with are exceptionally diverse – from teachers, scientists and academics, librarians and corporates to politicians and the public. If you share our passion and would like to join us, please submit an application for an opportunity you are interested in. You will also be able to keep track of your progress in the selection process and new postings here. Thank you for your interest in joining the Royal Society of Chemistry! We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer