As world-class research organization that has been leading key scientific advances for well over a century, we are offering you a unique opportunity to make a difference.
The new role of Director of Science will provide strategic oversight to our expanding and diverse research program. The goal will be to create an inspiring intellectual and collegiate ecosystem that encourages the discovery of new biology and ecology in the ocean, as well as standing up for, and boosting equality, diversity, and inclusion. If you are a strategic thinker, effective senior manager, and proven marine biology research leader then this is an exciting new role that will have a wide remit whilst allowing the successful candidate to further develop their research profile aligned to the MBA science pillars 1) Marine Microbiome; 2) Coastal Ecology; 3) Ocean Biology. You will make a genuine contribution to shaping the future of our ocean.
A joint position with one of our strategic University partners (Plymouth, Exeter or Southampton) may be considered, and would be negotiated on an individual basis.
The MBA is a Learned Society of scientists and members in over forty countries, across five continents. Its in-depth scientific research into the interconnected marine environment is carried out from its prestigious laboratory HQ in Plymouth, UK (Britain’s Ocean City). It has a Royal Charter that recognizes its world-leading status in marine biology. Since 1884, the MBA has worked as a voice for the ocean and in the interests of the global marine biological community. The MBA’s advanced knowledge has contributed to the work of 13 Nobel Laureates and over 170 Fellows of The Royal Society.
With the recent £5-Million investment in our research facilities we have the opportunity to expand our research program, hence the need for a Director of Science. This is part of a wider modernization strategy we have termed Charting 150 Years of the Marine Biological Association taking inspiration from the MBA’s eminent scientific roots and spirit of discovery. The MBA’s proximity and access to the ocean coupled with our vastly improved research facilities provides a focal point for marine biology research with access to adaptable seawater aquaria; sea-going research vessels; Mary Parke Bioimaging Centre for Advanced Microscopy; cell and molecular laboratories; ecology laboratories; scientific diving facility; Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey; instrumentation laboratory; vast data archives; and National Marine Biological Library.
The successful candidate will:
- Have a PhD and a successful marine biology research background with strong publication record
- Demonstrate an innovative public engagement and scientific outreach portfolio
- Have demonstrable experience of successful management of research teams
- Be a strategic thinker with proven ability to set scientific strategy and direction
- Have leadership and change management skills with a passion for continuous improvement
- Have excellent communication, interpersonal, and written skills to engage effectively with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
- Have a proven ability to collaborate across functional boundaries to achieve shared goals
The work location will be the MBA Laboratory, Plymouth, in the far southwest of the UK, overlooking Plymouth Sound and on the border between Devon and Cornwall. Plymouth offers an outstanding quality of life, with its fantastic location by the sea and the dramatic expanse of Dartmoor National Park as a backdrop. Flexible working arrangements are standard; hybrid working can be arranged where appropriate.
Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience, and expected at professorial level. Relocation and research start up packages will be available.
Application Deadline: June 4, 2023
Contract type: Open ended – Full time (37 hours per week)
