Chief Scientist

This is an almost unique opportunity to play a lead role in scientific issues of global importance including food security, climate change and renewable energy.

The Organisation

A new Government Executive Agency will be launched on 1 April 2009. Its role is to provide robust evidence,rigourous analysis and professional advice across a wide breadth of science to Government, international organisations and the private sector. Supporting a sustainable food chain, a healthy natural environment and protecting the global community from biological and chemical risks are just some of the many challenges for the new organisation and its Chief Scientist.

The Role

The Chief Scientist will be one of a new team of six Directors reporting to a new Chief Executive, helping to both establish and build the new organisation and to grow its public and commercial sector business. As the top scientist of the organisation you will need to be able to plan strategically to exploit the capacity of both the organisation’s nationally and internationally recognised scientists, and its state of the art facilities. At the same time, you will help develop and exploit an immediate scientific response capability that can both help tackle high profile national emergencies as well as solve problems for commercial customers.
 
You will be expected to maintain and build both the scientific reputation of the organisation and the quality assurance of the science it delivers. As Head of Profession you will be a role model, leader and mentor for the agency’s scientific community as well as looking to attract, recruit and develop leading scientists of the future.

We are seeking a highly credible individual with a passion for excellence in Science. A broad knowledge of sciences will be important, perhaps of a bioscience related discipline. However, due to the impact of human behaviour on the issues the new Agency will research, a strong background in a social science could also be appropriate.The key requirement however is an ability to establish strong networks between the Agency and other scientists and relevant bodies both in the UK and overseas.

Bonus and competitive pension, 30 days holiday

For further information on Defra please visit our dedicated recruitment website at www.hays.com/jobs/newagency