Job Description

Government Affairs Associate

Location: Oxford

Work Model: Hybrid (2 days per week on-site)

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Oxford Nanopore has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information-rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans, animals, plants, bacteria, viruses, and diseases such as cancer. By enabling biological insights, we strive to improve life on Earth and beyond.

About the Role

Increase the Impact of Groundbreaking Technology Worldwide

Oxford Nanopore is seeking a highly motivated Government Affairs Associate to join our Corporate Affairs team. Our team is dedicated to driving global government affairs while also supporting corporate and internal communications - collectively working to inform, unite and protect.

This international role is crucial for aligning our work to Oxford Nanopore’s key priorities, resulting in increased awareness of, understanding of, and collaboration with the company. You will play a vital part in amplifying the impact of our groundbreaking technology around the world.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in life sciences and a passion for government relationships and influencing, understanding the role of reputation and collaboration in the success of delivering high-impact scientific technology. You will work closely with commercial leadership and corporate teams to support the wider organization in delivering its strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Global Government Engagement and Country Priorities

• Support the development and delivery of government affairs activity across priority regions, aligned to company strategy and growth plans.
• Drive the process to design and deliver senior-level government engagement programmes, including ministerial meetings, official roundtables, and policy dialogues focused on national genomics initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with junior/mid-level government stakeholders, embassies, trade bodies, and external partners in priority markets.

Deploying UK Government Internationally

• Co-lead initiatives with UK Government partners (including the Office for Life Sciences and Department for Business and Trade) to support overseas ministerial and official engagement.
• Coordinate Oxford Nanopore's participation in trade missions and delegations, ensuring senior leaders are well briefed and positioned.
• Act as a key point of contact between Oxford Nanopore and UK Government teams to triage incoming requests that support international growth.

Policy Monitoring and Upstream Engagement

• Monitor parliamentary, regulatory, and policy developments to help identify risks and opportunities for the business at an early stage.
• Lead the development of briefings and response papers in collaboration with internal experts.
• Prepare senior leaders for meetings with MPs, ministers, and officials, including clear policy “asks” and strategic objectives.
• Represent the company in selected political and policy forums, independently where appropriate.

Narrative, Positioning, and Strategic Alignment

• Work closely with Strategic Communications to help shape and deploy Oxford Nanopore’s global narrative with governments.
• Translate scientific and commercial priorities into clear, credible policy positions that support government engagement worldwide.

Managing External Partners and Capability Building

• Support a network of regional government affairs consultants/agencies with HQ functions.
• Lead regular consultant/agency meetings and ensure intelligence and insights are shared internally.
• Contribute to the continuous development and professionalisation of the Government Affairs function.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in government affairs, public policy, political engagement, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of UK government, parliamentary processes, and the role of government in life sciences, healthcare, or technology.
• Experience engaging with senior government stakeholders (ministers, officials, MPs or equivalents).
• Proven ability to manage complex, multistakeholder projects across geographies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief senior leaders clearly and concisely.

Desirable

• Experience working in or with life sciences, healthcare, biotech, or advanced technology sectors.
• Familiarity with UK Government international trade, science, or industrial strategy agendas.
• International government affairs or trade policy experience.
• Experience managing external consultants or agencies.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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