Head of Ocean Sensor Development

The National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Relocation support

Cycle2Work scheme

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, is recruiting for a Group Head of Sensor Development – Analytical & Mechanical. This permanent, full-time role (37 hours) in Southampton offers a salary of £69,411 and requires leading 18 researchers, shaping strategy, securing funding and delivering transformative marine technologies.

You will balance strategic leadership with active research, ensure safety and quality across projects, and build strong partnerships with funders and collaborators to

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience of research leadership and high-impact outputs.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and translate objectives into priorities.
• Track record of securing funding and delivering complex research programmes.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Funding acquisition

Communication

Education

PhD in relevant scientific or engineering discipline

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, is recruiting for a Group Head of Sensor Development – Analytical & Mechanical. This permanent, full-time role (37 hours) in Southampton offers a salary of £69,411 and requires leading 18 researchers, shaping strategy, securing funding and delivering transformative marine technologies.

You will balance strategic leadership with active research, ensure safety and quality across projects, and build strong partnerships with funders and collaborators to