Head, Ocean Technology & Engineering GroupLocation: SouthamptonDivision: Science and Technology (S&T)Group: Ocean Technology and EngineeringDuration: PermanentSalary: £76,332 (band 3) / £61,179 (band 4)Ref No: 11461

National Oceanography Centre

National Oceanography Centre

IT
Southampton, UK
Posted on Friday, July 14, 2023

Head, Ocean Technology & Engineering Group

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£61,179 (band 4) - £76,332 (band 3)

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours. We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.

About the role

Are you a research leader passionate about the development of novel technology for oceanographic research? We are seeking head for NOC’s Ocean Technology & Engineering Group, which comprises around 40 research engineers and scientists. The group has 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 running the Ocean Technology & Engineering (OTE) group (~50% of time) and research leadership as a Principal Research Scientist/Engineer (~50% of time).

The group has a strong history of developing technology for autonomous chemical sensing, some of which has now been commercialised. We are now embracing new directions, including current work on in situ genomics, new applications of chemical sensing, engineering new tools for in situ ocean experiments, and other complementary topics. 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. More information on the group’s activities can be seen at www.noc.ac.uk/ote

The group head is responsible for guiding the group's strategic priorities and direction, supported by the existing management and research leads within the group. Activities include coordinating and prioritising group activities, developing strategies for future research directions, communicating with stakeholders, and mentorship or managing staff. This role is supported by an Associate Group Head (30% of time) and by existing PIs and team managers within the group.

As a Principal Research Scientist or Principal Research Engineer, you will develop, seek funding for, and lead significant research projects which complement or expand the overarching research programme of OTE.

This is a permanent position offered on NOC terms and conditions and is open to internal and external candidates.

About you

We are seeking someone who shares our passion for enabling new oceanographic science through the development of cutting edge technology. The ideal candidate will have expertise which complements the existing work of the group, or which could take advantage of the group’s expertise and facilities to open up a new line of research activity. This could include individuals with a background in technology development for aquatic applications or a scientist with a strong track record of close collaboration with technology developers.

You will have a track record of leadership though managing research projects and/or teams, and training or mentoring staff.

You will be able to think strategically about the future and to create and articulate a vision for the future of ocean technology to a wide range of stakeholders.

As a Principal Research Scientist or Principal Research Engineer (band 4), you will be a highly accomplished researcher and leader of significant projects within an overarching research programme. You will have international standing, typically with a strong track record (for high performers this could be achieved earlier) of post-PhD research experience, including successfully bidding for national/international research funding, leading and developing research projects and teams, and producing high-impact outputs. As a Science/Engineering Leader (band 3) you will be an internationally-recognised leader in your field, with experience attracting funding for and running very large projects and creating and supporting international strategies or initiatives.

Other information

The starting salary for this position will be £61,179 at band 4 or £76,332 at band 3 for suitably qualified candidates. This position is open to individuals needing visa sponsorship.

If you have questions about this role, you can contact the Associate Head of the Ocean Technology & Engineering Group (Allison Schaap; allison.schaap@noc.ac.uk) or NOCS’s Associate Director of Science & Technology (Doug Connelly; douglas.connelly@noc.ac.uk).

For more information about the benefits offered with this position, please see https://noc.ac.uk/careers/working-noc.

Why the NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.

We are committed to flexible working, trusting our staff to get the job done. And we offer an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.

Location

This position will be based in Southampton: The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking. We support opportunities for further training and development.

Our commitment as an employer

The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation, and has signed up to the Athena SWAN charter principles to take action to address gender equality.

How to apply:

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit:

  • an up-to-date CV
  • cover letter
  • brief (max. 2 pages) statement of your research interests and future research priorities

Before submitting your application, please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and assessment criteria.

Date advert posted: 14 July 2023

Closing date: 11 August 2023

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Assessing applications

All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Candidate Assessment’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the strongest candidates will be invited to interview.

If you have been selected for interview we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.