Group Head Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical

Group Head Sensor Development
- Analytical & Mechanical

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£69,411

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

Are you a research leader passionate about the development of novel technology for oceanographic research?

We are seeking a Group Head for NOC’s Sensor Development
- Analytical & Mechanical group, which comprises 18 research engineers and scientist. The Sensor groups have a strong history of developing novel technology for marine research, working closely with scientists locally and internationally to enable cutting edge scientific research. This role combines leading the group, as part of the senior leadership team within the Engineering Function (30% of time), and research leadership as a Principal Research Scientist/Engineer (70% of time).

The group has a well-established track record of developing technology for autonomous sensing, primarily in marine biology and biogeochemistry, some of which has now been commercialised. Technology developed by the group has been deployed around the globe, from the poles to the tropics, and from coasts to the deep seas, in support of a wide array of scientific themes.

The Group Head is also encouraged to build on and guide activity in other new or complementary areas, utilising and nurturing relationships with stakeholders, and seeking diverse funding opportunities.

You will provide strategic leadership for the group while maintaining an active research profile as a Principal Research Scientist/Engineer. Working with senior colleagues across Engineering Science, you will align the group’s activities with NOC’s strategy, technology roadmap and delivery plans.

Set the strategic direction for the group’s research and technology development. Lead major research and development projects as Principal Investigator. Develop successful funding proposals for technology development projects and research programmes. Ensure activities meet appropriate engineering, safety, assurance and quality standards. Support progress, performance and report on outcomes Plan workforce capability, skills development, staffing and line-management arrangements. Manage budgets, diversify income and support the group’s financial sustainability.

Enable the commercialisation and transfer of NOC-developed technologies. Build productive relationships with funders, collaborators and commercial partners. Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practice across NOC. Represent the group within national and international marine science and engineering communities. Foster a safe, inclusive and innovative culture in which colleagues can thrive.

We are seeking an inspirational leader who shares our passion for enabling new oceanographic science through the development of cutting-edge technology.

You will hold a PhD in a relevant…