Head of Science

The Ocean Census is a 10-year international scientific endeavour - an endorsed Programme of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development - that aims to accelerate the discovery of ocean life and increase the equitable access to ocean life data. Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton Foundation, The Ocean Census is an open Alliance of scientists from over 350 institutes and dozens of government, scientific, business, technology, civil society, and philanthropic partners, uniting resources and working together to take on this global challenge.

SUMMARY

The Ocean Census is actively seeking a Head of Science to join our dynamic team and lead the science programme to discover ocean life and to develop, manage and coordinate the international alliance of science partners contributing to the Census.

As Head of Science for the Ocean Census, you will lead one of the major global marine biodiversity programmes of the decade, radically advance our knowledge of ocean life, catalyse global marine conservation, and harness and champion equitable, international collaboration.

START: As soon as possible (latest April 2025)

LOCATION: Oxford HQ (with hybrid working 2-3 days per week) as well as at Taxonomic Workshops and Expeditions internationally as required.

CONTRACT: Fixed term employment, 3 years (with view to extension)

REPORTING TO: Programme Director

TEAM: Science Manager, Network & Awards, Science Manager, Species Discovery & Sequencing, Science Manager, Taxonomy, Data Coordinator with additional recruitment in 2025.

Please note: Only applicants who are eligible and available to work in the UK will be considered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Overview:

Strategy, management, leadership, budget, spokesperson, partnerships, expeditions, science processes, protocols and policies.

Summary Responsibilities

• Strategy: co-developing and implementing the science strategies of Ocean Census including species discovery, data management and use and conservation applications.
• Management and leadership of i) science Department – project management, team (recruitment, appraisals) and budget management, ii) initiating and maintaining Science Advisory Board, iii) maintaining Data Working Group.
• Fundraising: alongside Nekton Senior Management Team to co-develop fundraising plans and applications to support programme growth (including grant applications).
• Partnerships: Lead development and management of science partnerships across marine research, curation, museums, collections, data / digitisation, technology, policy and related expedition activities.
• Spokesperson: Represent Ocean Census at international events and meetings with range of stakeholders.
• Reporting: Create accurate reports of progress for Programme Director, Founding Partners, Ocean Census Steering Committee.
• Publish: academic and general audience papers, to support the objectives of Ocean Census.
• Expeditions and Workshops: At times, lead the in-field science activities of Ocean Census Expeditions including pre-expedition and post-expedition events with host countries.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

A confident, proactive, and independent self-starter able to work quickly, flexibly and responsively in a fast-changing environment.

ESSENTIAL:

• Proven experience of leading or managing an international science programme with a global network of science partners.
• Proven experience of management (projects, teams, budgets, reporting) specifically related to marine biodiversity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead the science programme, support public engagement and expeditions with international partners.
• A strong understanding of marine biodiversity and ecological research processes specifically related to taxonomy, molecular biology and large data.
• Highly organised, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple areas of work.
• A strong understanding of the experience and skills required to successfully lead remote marine fieldwork.
• A strong understanding of the processes, activities and skills required to develop equitable field operations.

DESIRABLE:

• Proven experience with integrated taxonomy.
• Involvement in programmes that increase participation of under-represented groups in marine science.
• Experience operating with governments at international level.
• Knowledge of languages other than English.
• Located in the Oxford area or able to locate or work there for 2-3 days a week.

HOW TO APPLY:  To apply for this position please click the apply button sending your CV with a cover letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this role to (e: sciencerecruitment@oceancensus.org). Please ensure you quote the reference OCHOS102024 in the email.

CLOSING DATE: EOB, Friday, 29th November

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.