30929 - Deputy Director and Head of Research in the Chief Scientist's Group
| Posting date: | 08 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £76,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 June 2025 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Environment Agency |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 30929 |
Summary
The Head of Research leads the scientific research that takes place in the Chief Scientist’s Group. They provide professional science advice and maintain standards of science and research across the Environment Agency. Their relationships with the science community in government and beyond further the science of the organisation.
• Lead, plan and monitor the strategic direction and delivery of around £7m p.a. Research in support of the corporate strategy and outcomes. They must adapt to and support the changing needs of research customers and explore new ways of delivering our research needs through others.
• Lead, develop and motivate their teams to deliver and communicate results on time, to required quality standards and cost, supporting staff development and Health, Safety and Wellbeing. They lead by example, conducting their own research as part of internal and collaborative projects to maintain scientific understanding and credibility.
• Influence and engage in external science programmes to optimise the benefits for the
Environment Agency, advising the Chief Scientist on funding applications to Research Councils.
• Provide scientific advice for emergencies and to senior managers, with particular responsibility for radioactive incident response. Represent the Chief Scientist at SAGE if necessary.
• Maintain scientific quality throughout the organisation, including planning the right work, approving large projects and projects initiated by direct reports, and approving the final summaries of projects, including Chemicals Analysis Unit reports that go to HSE as part of our contribution to the UK Chemicals Agency.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
You will be a part of the Chief Scientist’s Group leadership team alongside two other Deputy Directors. You will lead a team of researchers and science managers and communicators within the Chief Scientist’s Group. The post currently has 75 people within its organisational structure, with a number of senior scientists as direct reports leading research themes, and a small “hub” delivering programme planning and finance, and supporting science communication and partnership working.
Experience/skills required
Doctorate or equivalent research-based post-graduate qualification or professional standing is required for external credibility, in a science subject related to the work of the Environment Agency.
Proven experience of inclusive leadership in a technical or scientific environment, delegating management through direct reports and managing significant budgets.
The ability to understand, analyse and derive insight from scientific based information to enable decision making.
Track record of influencing partners and others to maximise the leverage we can obtain in the wider science world.
Experience of external dissemination of compelling science and evidence.
Recent experience of working in a research and development environment. Knowledge of the science done by the Environment Agency would be advantageous.
Key skills include leadership, communication, building and sustaining relationships, programme/financial management and delivering results through others
• Lead, plan and monitor the strategic direction and delivery of around £7m p.a. Research in support of the corporate strategy and outcomes. They must adapt to and support the changing needs of research customers and explore new ways of delivering our research needs through others.
• Lead, develop and motivate their teams to deliver and communicate results on time, to required quality standards and cost, supporting staff development and Health, Safety and Wellbeing. They lead by example, conducting their own research as part of internal and collaborative projects to maintain scientific understanding and credibility.
• Influence and engage in external science programmes to optimise the benefits for the
Environment Agency, advising the Chief Scientist on funding applications to Research Councils.
• Provide scientific advice for emergencies and to senior managers, with particular responsibility for radioactive incident response. Represent the Chief Scientist at SAGE if necessary.
• Maintain scientific quality throughout the organisation, including planning the right work, approving large projects and projects initiated by direct reports, and approving the final summaries of projects, including Chemicals Analysis Unit reports that go to HSE as part of our contribution to the UK Chemicals Agency.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
You will be a part of the Chief Scientist’s Group leadership team alongside two other Deputy Directors. You will lead a team of researchers and science managers and communicators within the Chief Scientist’s Group. The post currently has 75 people within its organisational structure, with a number of senior scientists as direct reports leading research themes, and a small “hub” delivering programme planning and finance, and supporting science communication and partnership working.
Experience/skills required
Doctorate or equivalent research-based post-graduate qualification or professional standing is required for external credibility, in a science subject related to the work of the Environment Agency.
Proven experience of inclusive leadership in a technical or scientific environment, delegating management through direct reports and managing significant budgets.
The ability to understand, analyse and derive insight from scientific based information to enable decision making.
Track record of influencing partners and others to maximise the leverage we can obtain in the wider science world.
Experience of external dissemination of compelling science and evidence.
Recent experience of working in a research and development environment. Knowledge of the science done by the Environment Agency would be advantageous.
Key skills include leadership, communication, building and sustaining relationships, programme/financial management and delivering results through others