Group Head, Sensor Development – Hybrid Ocean Tech Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme (10% employer)

Death in Service (3x salary)

Relocation support

Cycle2Work

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton seeks a Group Head for Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical to set strategic direction and lead a team of 18 researchers. The role blends Engineering leadership (30%) with active Principal Research Scientist/Engineer responsibilities (70%), driving multi-disciplinary marine tech development.

The post involves securing funding, guiding technology transfer, and collaborating with global partners to advance autonomous sensing in marine

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in research leadership and high-impact outputs.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and secure funding.
• Experience in complex research programmes and supervision.

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.
• Manage budgets, diversify income, and support financial sustainability.
• Represent the group within national and international marine science and engineering communities.

Skills

Leadership

Research leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline

Job description

National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton seeks a Group Head for Sensor Development - Analytical & Mechanical to set strategic direction and lead a team of 18 researchers. The role blends Engineering leadership (30%) with active Principal Research Scientist/Engineer responsibilities (70%), driving multi-disciplinary marine tech development.

The post involves securing funding, guiding technology transfer, and collaborating with global partners to advance autonomous sensing in marine