Science and Innovation Officer, Rio de Janeiro

About the role

The British Government is recruiting a Science and Innovation Officer for the British Consulate-General in Rio de Janeiro. The post develops and delivers practical UK-Brazil research and innovation partnerships, focusing on applied life sciences, energy research and the bioeconomy. It reports to the Head of Science, Technology and Innovation Brazil in Brasilia and works closely with colleagues in Brasilia and Sao Paulo.

The role is fixed term for 12 months, with possibility of renewal, at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade, with 36 hours per week. Regular travel within Brazil and occasional travel elsewhere in Latin America or to the UK is required. Applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Brazil.

Key responsibilities

• Lead partnerships in applied life sciences with Fiocruz, universities and others on topics such as vector-borne diseases, vaccines, diagnostics, infectious disease research, surveillance, One Health, antimicrobial resistance and biotechnology
• Develop energy research partnerships covering clean energy, offshore and marine energy, biofuels, hydrogen, carbon capture, use and storage and industrial decarbonisation, including with Petrobras CENPES
• Build bioeconomy partnerships with the Rio Botanical Garden and other institutions, coordinating with Brasilia colleagues on policy, regulation and benefit-sharing
• Engage with the Rio de Janeiro S&T ecosystem: state and city government, FAPERJ, universities, public research institutes, innovation organisations and industry bodies, and advise the Consul General on S&T strategy
• Maintain coverage of ocean science, the blue economy, marine biodiversity, offshore research and Antarctic or polar science
• Shape and deliver partnerships, programmes, funding bids, visits, events and reporting, and work with colleagues across Latin America

Required profile

• Experience in science and technology, research collaboration, innovation, international cooperation or partnership development
• Ability to build partnerships across universities, research institutes, government, funders and industry
• Knowledge or experience in at least one of life sciences research, energy research or the bioeconomy
• Experience designing or delivering projects, programmes, events or visits, and managing programme budgets, grants or research funding
• Excellent communication skills and ability to explain technical subjects to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• English and Portuguese at excellent spoken and written level
• A relevant academic or professional qualification in science, engineering, health, energy, environment, innovation, public policy, international relations or programme management is desirable

What we offer

• Monthly salary of BRL 15,590.53, with possible tax abatement for eligible staff
• Health and dental care, life insurance, bus transportation allowance and meal vouchers
• Flexible working arrangements, a generous leave package and learning and development opportunities