Why choose a Civil Service career?
Thinking about a new direction? The Civil Service is packed with opportunities for scientists and engineers like you to make a real difference, whether you’re coming from academia, industry, or anywhere in between.
Make an impact
Government scientists can use their transferable skills to shape policy across a wide range of major national projects, public services, and responses, including critical events, AI and climate and energy.
Use your expertise
Use your scientific mindset to help government make smarter, evidence informed decisions. Applying rigorous scientific knowledge ensures policies can be made using good evidence.
Work across the UK
There are a breadth of locations to work from across the UK Our Locations | Civil Service Careers.
Work-life balance
The Civil Service supports well-being and work life balance, many departments offer flexible working. This can include a wide availability of part-time, flexitime, compressed hours, hybrid and remote working options.
Feel Supported
Join a welcoming, diverse community. You can join one of the 20+ cross government staff networks to help you connect, find community and support. Many departments also offer their own networks which you can join or become a volunteer for.
Learning and Development
There are lots of opportunities available to Civil Servants to support their career development such as access to Civil Service Learning courses, guaranteed 5 days dedicated to your learning and development per year, coaching and mentoring and job shadowing opportunities.
Health and well-being
Your wellbeing matters. As a Civil Servant, you’ll have access to mental health support, Employee Assistance Programmes, Cycle to Work schemes, discounted gym memberships, and a range of wellbeing initiatives to help you feel your best, at work and beyond.
Pension scheme
The Civil Service offers a generous, defined benefit pension scheme with strong employer contributions, life assurance, and inflation-protected growth Discover more about Civil Service Pensions.
Civil Service grades explained
The Civil Service has seven broad job grades. Each job role will be advertised with a grade, which have different levels of seniority, responsibility and expertise, which is reflected in the pay scales. It can be difficult to know which grade might be most suitable for you, but mid-career scientists and engineers are likely to be best suited to roles at Grade 7 and above.
You can explore the following pages to understand more about grades and their responsibilities.
Success stories
Hear from current scientists and engineers who are shaping the future of government.
Leadership Development Scheme
Learn more about our scheme for scientists and engineers.
Application guidance
Tips and guidance for applying for scientific and engineering roles in the Civil Service.
Opportunities within government
Discover more about the opportunities available to scientists and engineers.