Group Head Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days contractual annual leave

10% employer contribution pension

Death in Service (3x annual salary)

Relocation support

Cycle2Work scheme

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton seeks a Group Head for Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical. You will lead a team of 18 researchers and engineers, shaping strategy and research directions within the Engineering Function while pursuing high-impact outputs.

This senior role combines leadership responsibilities with active research, guiding funding proposals, collaborations, and technology development that advances ocean science and enables international partnerships.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline with active research leadership.
• Demonstrated high-impact outputs such as publications or patents.
• Ability to lead complex research programmes and secure funding.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the group’s research and technology development.
• Lead major research and development projects as Principal Investigator.
• Develop successful funding proposals for technology development projects and research programmes.
• Ensure activities meet appropriate engineering, safety, assurance and quality standards.
• Support progress, performance and report on outcomes.
• Plan workforce capability, skills development, staffing and line-management arrangements.
• Manage budgets, diversify income and support the group’s financial sustainability.
• Enable the commercialisation and transfer of NOC-developed technologies.
• Build productive relationships with funders, collaborators and commercial partners.
• Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practice across NOC.
• Represent the group within national and international marine science and engineering communities.
• Foster a safe, inclusive and innovative culture in which colleagues can thrive.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Research leadership

Grant / funding proposals

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline

Job description

Job Reference

NOC12381

Location

Southampton

Function

Engineering Science

Group

Sensor Development - AS/M

Duration / Contract

Permanent, Full time (37 hours per week)

Salary

£69,411

Closing Date

17 November 2027

Role Title

Group Head Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical

Employer

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About The Role

Are you a research leader passionate about the development of novel technology for oceanographic research? We are seeking a Group Head for NOC’s Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical group, which comprises 18 research engineers and scientist. The Sensor groups have a strong history of developing novel technology for marine research, working closely with scientists locally and internationally to enable cutting edge scientific research.

This role combines leading the group, as part of the senior leadership team within the Engineering Function (30% of time), and research leadership as a Principal Research Scientist/Engineer (70% of time).

The group has a well-established track record of developing technology for autonomous sensing, primarily in marine biology and biogeochemistry, some of which has now been commercialised. Technology developed by the group has been deployed around the globe, from the poles to the tropics, and from coasts to the deep seas, in support of a wide array of scientific themes. The Group Head is also encouraged to build on and guide activity in other new or complementary areas, utilising and nurturing relationships with stakeholders, and seeking diverse funding opportunities.

You will provide strategic leadership for the group while maintaining an active research profile as a Principal Research Scientist/Engineer. Working with senior colleagues across Engineering Science, you will align the group’s activities with NOC’s strategy, technology roadmap and delivery plans.

Main Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the group’s research and technology development.
• Lead major research and development projects as Principal Investigator.
• Develop successful funding proposals for technology development projects and research programmes.
• Ensure activities meet appropriate engineering, safety, assurance and quality standards.
• Support progress, performance and report on outcomes.
• Plan workforce capability, skills development, staffing and line-management arrangements.
• Manage budgets, diversify income and support the group’s financial sustainability.
• Enable the commercialisation and transfer of NOC-developed technologies.
• Build productive relationships with funders, collaborators and commercial partners.
• Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practice across NOC.
• Represent the group within national and international marine science and engineering communities.
• Foster a safe, inclusive and innovative culture in which colleagues can thrive.

About You

We are seeking an inspirational leader who shares our passion for enabling new oceanographic science through the development of cutting‑edge technology.

You will hold a PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline and have recognised expertise in an area relevant or complementary to the group’s work. You will bring demonstrated experience of research leadership and high-impact outputs and meaningful research contributions, such as publications, patents or other demonstrable impacts.

As an effective leader and communicator, you will be able to inspire multidisciplinary teams, make thoughtful, evidence‑informed decisions in changing or uncertain circumstances, and translate organisational objectives into clear priorities. You will also have experience of leading complex research programmes, securing funding, supervising staff or students, and supporting colleagues’ professional development.

Why NOC?

We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Working Arrangements

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 with over 40 EV charging points.

We have 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.

Right to Work

We are able to support Global Talent Visa applications for this position for those candidates who meet the qualifying criteria.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.