• Job Description

  Req#: JR1168
  Science Area Head (Director level) - Soils and Land Use
  Salary: Up to £90,000, dependent on skills and experience
  This is a permanent role and you will need to be able to attend either our Bangor or Lancaster sites at least 2 weeks a month.
  Closing date for applications, 11 February 2024. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
  
  We understand that work-life balance and flexible working mean different things to different people and welcome conversations around flexible working opportunities.

  UKCEH (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) is an independent, not-for-profit research institute carrying out critical environmental science across water, land, and air, underpinning environmental policies, commercial innovation, and conservation action all around the world.

  Reporting to the Science Director, we are seeking an inspirational Science Area Head (SAH) to lead our Soils and Land Use science area, one of our six science areas at UKCEH, which focuses on the measurement and modelling of soil function and quality. Our research spans diverse landscapes, investigating the extensive impacts of climate and land management with the aim of pioneering sustainable practices in soil and land management, and thereby safeguarding these resources for future generations.

  As a member of both the UKCEH Executive and Science Leadership Committees, you’ll play a central role in guiding our organisational direction and decision-making. This role's significance lies in collaborating across various scientific disciplines whilst providing a strategic perspective. You will have substantial experience within a senior scientific leadership role and demonstrate confidence in effectively guiding large teams of scientists.

  Our people sit at the heart of our mission. As such, this position calls for an enthusiastic and motivational leader. You will identify with, and promote our values of Excellence, Teamwork and Integrity, whilst fostering innovation by introducing fresh perspectives. You’ll be passionate about cultivating a diverse culture that embraces change and encourages collaboration both within your department and across the organisation.

  You will be joining us at an exciting milestone as we move into the next phase of refreshing our new organisational strategy and refining our objectives. This represents a second key transformative period for us, following our transition to independence in 2019. Your role as SAH will be crucial in helping us to deliver this strategic vision and help shape the future trajectory of UKCEH.

  For more information about the Soils and Land Use science area, click here: www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/science-departments/soil-and-land-use

  Your main responsibilities will include:

  Strategic Leadership:

  • Provide strategic vision and leadership for the Science Area, ensuring excellence and impact in scientific activities.
  • Contribute to organisational direction setting and decision-making as a member of the UKCEH Executive and Science Leadership Committees.
  • Actively seek innovation opportunities within the Science Area and promote integration with other Science Areas across UKCEH.
  • Engage with stakeholders, funders, and customers to represent UKCEH science proactively.

  People Leadership:

  • Lead and manage a dynamic team of scientists (70-100 people), fostering a positive, inclusive research culture aligned with UKCEH's values.
  • Prioritise health and safety management, ensuring awareness and responsibility among team members.

  Financial & Project Management:

  • Develop business plans for the Science Area, achieving resource allocation and financial targets and budgets.
  • Review the delivery, financial management, and performance of projects led by the Science Area.
  • Contribute to decisions on workload management and resource allocation across the Science Area.

  We are seeking an individual for the position of Science Area Head who possesses the following attributes:

  • Demonstrates a high level of scientific expertise and the ability to effectively represent UKCEH within the scientific community.
  • Exhibits strategic thinking, capable of adopting an organisational-wide perspective.
  • Displays strong leadership skills to guide and motivate teams of scientists in achieving Science Area and organisational objectives.
  • Collaborates as a member of a Science Leadership Team to foster cross-disciplinary approaches.
  • Takes the lead in scientific change initiatives and adeptly manages challenging situations.
  • Makes decisions that consider risks (financial, project delivery, reputational) at both project and program levels.
  • Proficient in developing individuals and ensuring high standards of performance are achieved and maintained.

  If we’ve just described you, please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience you feel would be well suited for this particular role.

  If you would like to discuss this role further, please feel free to contact Doug Wilson (Science Director) dwilson@ceh.ac.uk or email the Talent Acquisition team recruitment@ceh.ac.uk

• About the company

  The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is a centre for excellence in environmental science across water, land and air.

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