Group Head, Sensor Development - Ocean Tech Leader

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

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.