Head of Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy/Outstanding Principal Investigator

Closing Date: Till Filled

The Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute (hereinafter referred to as "the China Beacons Institute") was jointly established by Ningbo Municipal Government and University of Nottingham in Ningbo National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone in September 2020. The establishment of the China Beacons Institute is a combination of a world-class university with its advanced science and innovation and national development strategies and local social and economic development. It is also an important project and accelerator for the UNNC strategic development.

The China Beacons Institute leverages the unique “Ningbo-based and global-oriented” advantages of UNNC. By introducing the key international technological and innovative resources of the Beacons of Excellence from the UK, the intention is to attract global technology innovation resources. This will allow the China Beacons Institute to focus on original research and cutting-edge new technology development, the aim being to establish a world-class scientific and technological innovation platform with innovative research, research achievement transformation, technology transfer and talent cultivation, in order to support and drive the industry development of Ningbo.

About the Role

Reporting to the VP of CBI, the Head of Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy will play a critical role in establishing and leading the Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy, with support from CBI’s professional teams.

You will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

• Goal Setting and Strategy Development. To define the overall aims and objectives of Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy aligning with the overall goals of CBI, and to devise, implement and evaluate strategies and plans to achieve specific targets;
• Research Development. To initiate, develop and oversee various levels of Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy projects, identifying and addressing needs for tools and systems tools and systems to provide critical information on both strategy and operations for the Research Centre;
• Engagement with Internal and External Stakeholders. To engage with peer academics and staff within CBI and the University of Nottingham campuses in the UK and Malaysia, and other relevant stakeholders within and outside of UNNC to foster collaboration and secure resources;
• Research Team Building and Development. To build a strong research team through strategic recruitment, supporting staff training, professional development, problem resolution, performance evaluation, and the establishment of a healthy and effective institutional culture;
• Operations and Compliance. To identify needs in the development of policies and procedures and to implement change as needed, as well as ensure that the Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy is compliant with legal, regulatory and audit requirements;
• To identify and undertake other tasks and responsibilities as might reasonably be required to further the development and excellence of Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy.

About You

We seek to appoint a seasoned, proactive and mature leader who is self-driven and results-oriented, adaptable and creative, with internationally recognized intellectual contributions in the area of green chemicals and energy. You will be at full professor or equivalent level specializing in an area that is related to Green Chemicals and Energy, ideally with more than 10 years of experience in a senior academic leadership role and experiences working with boards. Experience of building or leading a research centre would be desirable. Industry experiences would be preferred. Recognised training in relevant standards and teaching experiences, particularly in key technologies related to green chemicals and energy is required.

You will lead CBI’s development with proven skills in strategic project planning and development in a complex organization, as well as experiences in leading organisational change. Strong analytical skills and experiences in setting and implementing a strategic vision are required. Strong verbal and written communication skills will be crucial in managing internal and external stakeholders. You should possess strong management skills and the ability to motivate team members. You should have an extensive international network to attract talents and secure resources for CBI. A deep understanding of China’s tertiary and research environment will be an advantage.

Successful candidate will be offered a five-year contract that may be extended by mutual agreement. We are committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of our staff to help them reach their full potential. We offer highly-competitive salary package and you will have a range of benefits and entitlements, including accommodation allowance, insurances, schooling support, home flight, relocation & repatriation support, and paid annual leave. You will be offered a wide range of Chinese talent schemes application opportunities based on the eligibility of application.

Applications for the role of Head of Research Centre for Green Chemicals and Energy should include the following:

• a covering letter
• an up-to-date CV
• a 5-year plan covering research and team build up strategy
• Should the candidate wish to bring their research team, team members’ CV should be attached
• any other relevant supporting documents