Job Ad: Scientific Policy Officer (F/M/X)

At the EASAC Secretariat, hosted by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) in Vienna, the position of a Scientific Policy Officer (F/M/X) (full-time, 40h per week) is to be filled. The starting date is expected to be January 1st, 2025.

EASAC is seeking a full-time Scientific Policy Officer (SPO) for the EU-funded project SAPEA 3 (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies). The project (planned for 01/2025–06/2029) is part of the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) to the European Commission, and includes the EASAC-led work package on the “Use of Artificial Intelligence in the SAM”.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
The successful applicant will join a team of SPOs working in SAPEA. This position will act as the organisational lead on behalf of the SAPEA Consortium for preparing Evidence Review Reports whenever EASAC leads, and support the preparation of ERRs as required. Tasks will include, among others:
• Acting as lead SPO for the work package on the “Use of AI in the Scientific Advice Mechanism”
• Working closely with the EASAC Secretariat, the SAPEA Coordinator, the SAPEA SPOs, the SAM Secretariat, the SAPEA communications team, the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, and other representatives of the European Commission
• Drafting project outlines, including work and budget plans, and proposals for the outputs (i.e. Evidence Review Reports)
• Contributing to the technical and financial reports of the SAPEA project
• Organising meetings of working groups (virtual, hybrid, or in-person) and consultation processes
• Maintaining ties with stakeholders in the science for policy advice ecosystem
• Contributing to organizing the peer review process of scientific publications
• Undertaking project-related communications activities
• Being involved in cross-cutting activities in the SAPEA project
• Supporting the EASAC Secretariat in organisational matters with respect to the project

Profile of Requirements:
• A master’s degree
• Proven knowledge in the field of Artificial Intelligence and/or AI ethics as well as curiosity in using and exploring AI tools, and in assessing them
• Experience in science-based policy advice
• Familiarity with the science-policy interface at the European level and the respective network of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and managerial skills, including for evidence gathering processes
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English
• Versed communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific issues to target audiences, and scientific writing skills
• High interpersonal and intercultural skills, including experience in building and maintaining strong working relationships with a range of colleagues, as well as internal and external stakeholders
• Previous working experience in an EU-funded project is an asset
• Willingness to travel within the EU

Our offer:
• Employment by the Austrian Academy of Sciences under an Austrian labour contract
• Gross salary in the range of € 62.000 per year
• A multifaceted and exciting field of activity in a dynamic environment
• An appreciative and motivating working environment in a supporting team
• Attractive flexitime arrangements
• City centre location with excellent public transport connections

Interested candidates are requested to send their CV and a motivation letter to the EASAC Secretariat by September 8th, 2024, at secretariat@easac.eu, with reference to “Application SPO SAPEA”. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in October/November 2024, in Vienna or online.