Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition Members

DHSC is looking to appoint scientific and lay members to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). SACN is a UK-wide advisory committee set up to advise the UK governments on nutrition-related matters. SACN is made up of scientific specialists from a range of relevant disciplines and lay members.

We are aiming to recruit a minimum of 5 (up to 8) scientific members and one lay member.

Scientific members

Applications are sought from registered nutritionists, public health nutritionists, clinicians and researchers. We encourage applications from senior and mid-career scientists from the UK and internationally, in particular those with specialist knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• practising paediatric clinician
• macronutrients particularly energy and/or protein
• dietary assessment (particularly mis-reporting)
• nutrition and sustainability and/or plant-based nutrition
• dental health

We would also be interested in applications from scientists with the following areas of expertise:

• international nutrition perspective (applicable to the UK)
• wider clinical expertise in adults
• nutrient-gene interactions
• food science expertise
• micronutrients

We are seeking applications from members of the scientific community with:

• a good understanding of the UK public health aspects of your area of expertise from the list above. This includes experience of working with diverse and vulnerable population groups
• a track record of significant achievement and personal effectiveness in one or more of the above specialist areas
• an ability to contribute robust technical views in the areas above
• high-level committee or board experience

Lay members

Scientific advisory committees have at least one lay member whose role is to challenge the committees to consider the needs of non-specialists and to ensure effective communication of the risk assessment advice.

We are seeking applications from members of the public with:

• committee or board experience
• experience of scrutinising complex documents, ensuring clarity and accessibility
• a general awareness of current food and nutritional issues and an appreciation of the wider public perceptions of these
• a track record of significant achievement and personal effectiveness

How to apply

More information on the roles, the criteria we are looking for, how to apply and how we will assess applicants can be found in the information pack for applicants.

You will be paid £300 per full day meeting with a time commitment of approximately 10 days per year. The majority of SACN meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams. Appointments are likely to be up to a maximum of 3 years in the first instance and will be determined by the Senior Responsible Officer for SACN.

DHSC values and promotes diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, and both within and outside the UK. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Applicants will be asked to declare any potential conflicts of interests.

If you have any queries or difficulties accessing any of the documents, contact sacn.recruitment@dhsc.gov.uk.

The closing date for applications is midday on 14 April 2025.