Science and Engineering Fast Stream 2027

Job summary

On the Science and Engineering Fast Stream (SEFS), you will use your science and engineering skills to support government policy development and decision-making. The scheme is not designed to place you in roles based solely on your scientific or engineering experience; instead, you will be placed in roles where your skills strengthen and inform policy.

Society faces many challenges that science and engineering can help solve. The Civil Service needs talented, adaptable science and engineering leaders to deliver complex work that makes a difference to people across the UK. The government’s focus on science and innovation to drive the UK’s growth, prosperity and security highlights the vital role of scientists and engineers in decision-making. Their expertise helps ensure policy is informed by the best available evidence and that scientific advice is communicated clearly.

You might be a science or engineering graduate, an experienced postgraduate researcher, a professional from industry, or an existing civil servant with a technical background. Join the Science and Engineering Fast Stream and you’ll become part of a modern, vibrant community of professionals with a shared goal: improving outcomes for the public.

The specific towns and cities depend on the department you are posted to and its office locations. The Fast Stream evolves continually, so postings can vary from year to year.

As an indication, in 2026 new fast streamers were posted to government offices in the following regions: Greater London, North West, South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

On occasion, some individuals may need to move location. We aim to align postings with your preferences whenever possible; however, final decisions must support our wider business needs. Please note that Fast Streamers cannot choose their department or their specific role.

Job description

Over three years, you will complete a range of stretching but rewarding postings across the Civil Service. These could include supporting the MOD Chief Scientific Adviser, working on earth observation policy in DEFRA, or advising on materials in the Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade These postings are designed to broaden your experience and build your leadership capability, including in areas outside your previous technical specialism. The scheme also offers a unique interchange placement, which may include opportunities in local government, charities or the private sector.

Across your postings, you will help build and apply evidence so government can respond to major challenges such as climate change or sustainable housing. You might analyse complex datasets, model public health risks, or develop evidence to inform clean energy decisions. You may also help shape legislation and regulation, or work with industry on compliance with statutory requirements (for example, food safety standards or transport emissions).

You will draw on your scientific background to develop and communicate robust evidence, working with experts across government, academia and industry.

You will be passionate about science and engineering and, throughout the programme, you will advocate for the use of evidence in the Civil Service and help promote the Government Science and Engineering Profession.

As a future leader, you will be expected to lead work from an early stage, including (but not exclusively) technical work. This might involve managing research projects, or working with policy teams to develop solutions for ministers and senior officials. By acting as an intelligent customer, you could oversee technical delivery for programmes such as a major transport project or research into artificial intelligence. You will work strategically with academics, industry experts and delivery partners inside and outside government.

You may also contribute to horizon scanning to identify emerging trends and technologies, such as autonomous vehicles or genomics, and apply systems thinking to help address complex cross-government challenges. Your combination of technical expertise and leadership potential, and your ability to work in both technical and non-technical environments, will make you deployable across the Civil Service at the end of the programme. When you finish after three years, you may choose to specialise in a policy area and take on technical leadership roles, or apply your skills in policy or operational delivery, bringing fresh perspectives to teams. Alternatively, you may focus on leadership and management roles, while remaining affiliated to the profession and continuing to champion science and engineering across government.

Whatever path you take, the Science and Engineering Fast Stream will develop you into a confident and inspiring future leader, supporting our ambition to put science and engineering at the heart of government decision-making.

We aim to put all successful candidates through Security Clearance (SC). However, if you are ineligible for SC, please do not be deterred from applying; we have plenty of exciting roles available that only require standard Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks. You can find more information about vetting clearance levels here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vett…

Person specification

You must be eligible to work in the UK
You need to have or be on track to receive a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree in any subject, including degree apprenticeships before you start the programme.
You must also hold a postgraduate degree in a science or engineering discipline, or be a chartered engineer or scientist registered with a professional institution licensed by the Engineering Council or the Science Council. For integrated master’s degrees, you need (or expect to have) a 2:1 or higher.
We expect you to have secured your postgraduate degree before you start the programme

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,554, Fast Stream and Emerging Talent contributes £9,141 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, child care assistance and more.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Application Process

There are several phases in the Fast Stream application process. Some of these assessments are multimedia in that they present information in video, audio, graphical or visual formats, as well as text. We hope you find it an engaging process and one that gives you a real insight into the role of a fast streamer.

At the initial application stage you will be asked to complete some background information which will includ