Company: National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
Skills: highly skilled technical specialist
Experience: N/A years
Education: strong track record of post-PhD development/research experience
Employment type: Full time
Location: Southampton, UK
We are seeking a Head for the NOC’s Marine Autonomous and Robotics Systems (MARS) group within the National Marine Facilities (NMF) division of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). MARS is a world-leading research and development team comprising approximately 50 engineers dedicated to advancing the field of marine robotics and autonomous systems. This dynamic and multidisciplinary group focuses on developing and operating cutting-edge technologies to explore, monitor, and understand the world's oceans in support of the UK’s marine science community. The group has a 30-year history of developing and operating marine robotics and works closely with the marine science community, government, defence and commercial sectors.
Authorized Jobs in the next location(s): UK
Company details
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours. We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.
Requirements & Summary
We are seeking a Head for the NOC’s Marine Autonomous and Robotics Systems (MARS) group within the National Marine Facilities (NMF) division of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). MARS is a world-leading research and development team comprising approximately 50 engineers dedicated to advancing the field of marine robotics and autonomous systems. This dynamic and multidisciplinary group focuses on developing and operating cutting-edge technologies to explore, monitor, and understand the world's oceans in support of the UK’s marine science community. The group has a 30-year history of developing and operating marine robotics and works closely with the marine science community, government, defence and commercial sectors.
The Head of MARS collaborates with cross-functional teams, manages resources, and maintains a strong focus on research, development, and operational excellence. They work with external stakeholders including the Marine Science community, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and the broader marine sector to drive strategic developments. Internally, they contribute to the broader NOC and NMF technology development strategy and work closely with the scientific engineering, NOC data, sensor development, and National Capability (NC) science teams to initiate and drive development projects. Operationally they are an integral part of the NMF senior management team responsible for building and operating a unified observing capability which aligns marine autonomy with the research ship fleet. As they will be responsible for major NOC and NMF initiatives, the role requires strategic planning, technical expertise, and managerial skills to drive innovation, ensure project success, and advance the field of marine robotics.
About you:
We are seeking a highly accomplished technical leader who is passionate about developing marine robotics to support ocean science. As the ideal candidate, you will be a highly skilled technical specialist with detailed domain knowledge of the marine robotic space that complements the skills in the MARS group. You will have significant leadership experience and a track record of running a portfolio of large projects within an overarching development and operational programme.
You will be able to think strategically about the future and create and articulate a clear vision for future technology developments and will have a track record of building and managing relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. You will also have considerable experience in mentoring staff, and growing a team in a dynamic expanding area.
As the head of MARS, you would have international standing in the area of marine robotics, typically with a strong track record of post-PhD development/research experience, including successfully bidding for development/research funding, leading and developing research and operational projects/teams, and producing high-impact outputs.
Why the NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.
We are committed to flexible working, trusting our staff to get the job done. And we offer an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.
Location:
This position will be based in Southampton: The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
Our commitment as an employer:
The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation, and has signed up to the Athena SWAN charter principles to take action to address gender equality.
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
The starting salary for this position will depend on experience and is expected to be recruited at band 4, but for exceptional candidates recruitment at band 3 will be considered.
Band 4: £61,179
Band 3: £76,332
