Oceanographic Magazine partner, Ocean Census, is seeking a Head of Science to join a dynamic team and lead the science programme to discover ocean life as well as develop, manage, and coordinate the international alliance of science partners contributing to the Census.

The Ocean Census is a 10-year international scientific endeavour – and 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 access to ocean life data. Oceanographic is the official photography partner on the Ocean Census project.

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, working together to take on this global challenge.

The alliance is now looking for a Head of Science to lead this science programme. The individual will be responsible for leading one of the largest global marine biodiversity programmes of the decade, radically advancing our knowledge of ocean life, catalysing global marine conservation, and harnessing and championing equitable, international collaboration.

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

How to apply: Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this role by an email via this link. 

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• 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:

The Ocean Census is looking for an individual with:

• 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.

Apply for the role via this link, quoting the reference: OCHOS102024.

Closing: EOB, Friday, 29th November.

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