Deputy Director and Head of ISIS Operations

Uk Research Innovation (ukri; Chilton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK is seeking an experienced leader to manage operations at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing large-scale research facilities and possess extensive experience in financial and project management. Responsibilities include overseeing facility operations, budgeting, and staffing to ensure top-tier research capabilities. This role promises a significant impact on advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in management role in large-scale research facilities.
• Experience leading technical teams in complex science facilities.
• Proven financial management experience in major research facilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the ISIS facility.
• Manage the ISIS budget with in-year budget control.
• Coordinate staffing levels within the agreed plan.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Communication

Financial management

Project management

People management

Education

BSc Honours in relevant science or engineering subject

NEBOSH Certificate or diploma

Doctorate in science or engineering

Job description

Overview

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in the operational management of a complex technical service. They will be committed to and focused on ensuring the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source remains at the cutting edge of neutron and muon science, and increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness. The successful candidate will be expected to have experience of financial control and project management in a large organisation as well as extensive people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Management oversight of all aspects of operations of the ISIS facility
• Management of the ISIS estate
• Management of the ISIS budget, including in-year budget control within the agreed budget
• Long term resource and capital planning
• Management of ISIS staffing levels within the agreed staffing plan
• Functional oversight of ISIS projects (operational and financial)
• Reporting as required on areas of responsibility
• Contribution to corporate activities in relevant areas - operations, finance, corporate services, HR
• Represent ISIS in relevant areas in a national and international context
• Deputising for the ISIS Director as required
• Contacts and communication

Reporting

This post will report to the ISIS Director. The post holder will also work closely with other team members as well as with other departments within ISIS.

Qualifications

• Essential: BSc Honours in relevant science or engineering subject or equivalent
• Desirable: NEBOSH Certificate or diploma; Doctorate in science or engineering

Experience

• Essential: Extensive experience of working in a management role in a large-scale research facility; experience of leading technical teams within a complex science facility with a track record of delivering improvements; extensive experience in leading people and resources; experience in the financial management of a major research facility; practical experience in maintaining high standards of health and safety, both in culture and activity
• Desirable: Demonstrated ability of working in a senior management role in a large scientific user facility; international profile in neutron facility management and service delivery

Personal Qualities and Skills

• Essential: Leadership, decision making, communication, planning, judgement, diplomacy, persuasion, enthusiasm, initiative, ability to present information concisely (presentations and board papers), numeracy and solutions-focused; an effective team player
• Skilled At: Facility operations management; people management; financial management; project management
• Ability To: Influence at a corporate level; participate in STFC management and leadership; facilitate interactions with external people and organisations both within the UK and internationally; work in radiological designated areas; willingness to travel

About ISIS and STFC

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. The suite of 30 neutron scattering and muon spectroscopy instruments provides unique insights into the properties of materials down to the atomic scale. Working in partnership with a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists from academia and industry, we facilitate research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, through nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers, and on to fundamental studies of materials. The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source employs more than 600 members of staff engaged in the development and operation of the source, instruments and associated technology and engineering.

We are looking for an outstanding individual to support the director in the leadership and management of ISIS. They will provide operational leadership including programme delivery and resource management and deputise for the director when required. The STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people. As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we are trusted to support, enable and undertake ground-breaking projects in an outstanding diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we are driving progressive advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale. UKRI is an organisation that brings together seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.