Ministers have begun the search for a new Chief Scientist to advise the Chief Medical Officer and senior civil servants in the government’s health and social care teams.

The three year fixed term contract to work the equivalent of three days a week - previously it has been two days a week - commands a salary of £150,000 a year pro rata.

The Scottish government says the successful candidate will be required to take up the post as soon as possible.

The current post-holder is Professor David Crossman, Dean of the School of Medicine at St Andrews University and an honorary consultant cardiologist with NHS Fife, who was appointed in November 2017.

The Chief Scientist is supported by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) which plays a central role in both commissioning research and implementing research findings across the NHS in Scotland. It also works alongside economic development colleagues to try to attract research investment into Scotland.

In its job description for the role, the Scottish government says the post holder will need to be a senior leader within life sciences and will be expected to ensure a joined-up, strategic approach to gathering and presenting scientific evidence and advice, and be able to maintain positive relationships across the public, private and non-profit sectors.

The Chief Scientist for Health sits with two chief scientific advisors and the chief social policy adviser on the Scottish Science Advisory Council, alongside leading academics from across a range of scientific disciplines in Scotland.

Applications for the Chief Scientist (Health) close on Sunday sixth of February.

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