Chief Scientist, BGS Multihazards & Resilience Challenge Area

This is a vital role within the British Geological Survey leadership structure. It presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior science leader to contribute to developing the BGS strategy and delivery its business plan. 

Through the application of your extensive senior management experience, along with an outstanding scientific background in geological hazards, you will set the direction of BGS science the Multi-hazards and Resilience Challenge to ensure its delivery.

The role will be based at the BGS office in Edinburgh (Lyell Centre) or at the Headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham. You will be required to regularly travel to other BGS offices as well as travelling nationally and internationally to attend key partnership events to promote the work and science of BGS.

Appointment will be at UKRI Pay Band X – salary is circa £98k per annum. 

A great benefits package is offered, including participation in the senior civil service pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.  

This is a permanent full-time position, but some flexible and remote working options may be available.

About us

The BGS is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey with a core mission to inform government on science related to the subsurface and its interfaces. The BGS undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental challenges, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants, commissioned research for government and public bodies, and via private sector contracts.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency.  As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.

About the role

As a member of the Senior Management Board (SMB) and the Science Strategy Group (SSG), you will be responsible for working with your colleagues to develop the BGS Strategy and implement the business plan. You will have a strategic outlook on handling multiple stakeholders in a complex environment, with particular focus on NERC and UKRI relationships, frameworks, and systems. 

As well as taking a pivotal science and organisational leadership role, you will be responsible for the management, effective delivery and monitoring of the Multi-hazards and Resilience (MHR) science programme. This programme addresses risk mitigation and adaptation through monitoring, characterisation and forecasting of hazardous processes and their impacts. You will do this through the line management of the programme management team including agreeing and achieving targets for income generation and effective funding within MHR. 

You will identify opportunities to develop BGS’ portfolio, attract new funding and create strategic partnerships to continue to drive BGS’ position as a world-leading geological survey and environmental science organisation, delivering a programme of research internationally. This will include working with the Directors of National & International Geoscience, Policy, and Communications & External Affairs, to ensure that BGS science is promoted to government policy advisors. 

About you 

In this role, you are required to have the following qualifications, experience, skills, and abilities (priority criteria): 

• Strong senior management and leadership experience with a proven ability to set direction and to develop and implement strategy. 
• A successful track record of overseeing the delivery of projects, (both scientific impact/outcomes and financial/programme). 
• A PhD in a relevant science discipline, or equivalent comparable experience. 
• A strong science profile evidenced by, for example: peer-reviewed published papers, conference presentations, including keynote addresses; senior journal editorial experience; a large portfolio of successful scientific grant proposals and industry/government related contract agreements and membership of relevant international panels. 
• Experience of identifying and securing significant external opportunities. 
• Evidence of the ability to develop strategic and institutional relationships and collaborations with multiple, complex stakeholders, both at a national and international level. 
• Awareness and understanding of the BGS Strategy and Public Science Role as well as wider earth science sector issues. 
• Excellent communication skills, evidenced by clear examples of good negotiating and influencing skills. 
• Ability to handle complex multidimensional problems, overcoming barriers and developing creative solutions to continually improve. 

Please also refer to the specific essential and desirable skills specification on our Careers Portal and ensure that these are evidenced in your application. 

Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment. 

How to apply 

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter through our Careers Portal outlining their suitability for the role and providing specific examples of evidence against the priority essential criteria for the post. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process. 

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact SeniorRecruitment@ukri.org. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 4 April 2024. Interviews are expected to be held on 30 April 2024 in Keyworth.