APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED – Job Opportunity: Head of Science

• Strategy: co-developing and implementing the science strategies of Ocean Census including species discovery, data management and use of conservation applications.
• Management and leadership of i) science Department – project management, team (recruitment, appraisals) and budget management, ii) initiating and maintaining Science Advisory Board, iii) maintaining Data Working Group.
• Fundraising: alongside Nekton Senior Management Team to co-develop fundraising plans and applications to support programme growth (including grant applications).
• Partnerships: Lead development and management of science partnerships across marine research, curation, museums, collections, data / digitisation, technology, policy and related expedition activities.
• Spokesperson: Represent Ocean Census at international events and meetings with range of stakeholders.
• Reporting: Create accurate reports of progress for Programme Director, Founding Partners, Ocean Census Steering Committee.
• Publish: academic and general audience papers, to support the objectives of Ocean Census.
• Expeditions and Workshops: At times, lead the in-field science activities of Ocean Census Expeditions including pre-expedition and post-expedition events with host countries.

A confident, proactive, and independent self-starter able to work quickly, flexibly and responsively in a fast-changing environment.

ESSENTIAL:

• Proven experience of leading or managing an international science programme with a global network of science partners.
• Proven experience of management (projects, teams, budgets, reporting) specifically related to marine biodiversity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead the science programme, support public engagement and expeditions with international partners.
• A strong understanding of marine biodiversity and ecological research processes specifically related to taxonomy, molecular biology and large data.
• Highly organised, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple areas of work.
• A strong understanding of the experience and skills required to successfully lead remote marine fieldwork.
• A strong understanding of the processes, activities and skills required to develop equitable field operations.

DESIRABLE:

• Proven experience with integrated taxonomy.
• Involvement in programmes that increase participation of under-represented groups in marine science.
• Experience operating with governments at international level.
• Knowledge of languages other than English.
• Located in the Oxford area or able to locate or work there for 2-3 days a week.