I'm contacting you in this instance on behalf of the Government Office for Science, which is currently looking for experts who might consider short term secondments to the Government to assist with the response to C19.

The Government Office for Science is playing a central role in the Government’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Through the Science Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) mechanism, GO-Science is providing coordinated advice to Government on the scientific aspects of the outbreak, led by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) Sir Patrick Vallance.

The work may involve addressing a range of responsibilities, including supporting expert meetings and sub-groups, tracking and summarising key research and scientific developments and liaising with a wider network of experts (inside and outside Government) to understand the latest picture on the virus.

GO-Science is looking for additional people (see attached job descriptions) to join the team for an initial period of 3 months, with an option to extend, to provide specialist scientific advice and support to a team of predominantly civil servants. Ideally we would be able to secure someone who can commit a substantial part of their week to the work, but we can be flexible based on individual circumstances and part-time and flexible working are options. Following UK Government guidance, GO-Science is working remotely apart from essential business. There is no expectation individuals in this new role will be required to go into our London office and all new starters will be provided the necessary equipment to work from home.

With regard to funding, academics currently embedded within SAGE subgroups are funded by GO-Science (salary and expenses) via secondment agreements with their universities for the time spent working in the group. More specific details of the funding that can be provided by GO-Science can be discussed at the stage at which candidates are selected for phone interviews, along with time requirements each week and length of agreement.

If you have anybody who you think has the relevant experience and availability, we would welcome Expressions of Interest (EOIs) with a short summary of the person’s professional background and experience. EOIs should be sent by close of play on Thursday 30th April to:

For the International Team expert: mailto:alice.moden@go-science.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alice.moden@go-science.gov.uk and mailto:linda.newman@go-science.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">linda.newman@go-science.gov.uk;

For the Behavioural Team expert: mailto:adam.eccles@beis.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adam.eccles@beis.gov.uk and mailto:marie-louise.taylor@go-science.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marie-louise.taylor@go-science.gov.uk.

Thank you for your assistance with this.

Best wishes,

Ben