Call for expressions of interest for Science Programme Leader roles

Expressions of Interest are invited for the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge Science Programme Leader Managed Seas role.

The Role

The Science Programme Leader will be appointed until 30 June 2017, with the opportunity to reapply for a further term. Up to 0.2FTE of time will be supported by the Challenge for each Science Programme Leader. The Science Programme Leader will be part of the Science Leadership Team (SLT) which will meet at least 4 times per year, and usually monthly, with the direct costs of attending these meetings being covered by the Challenge.

Specific responsibilities of the Science Programme Leaders

Provide input into the development of the Challenge research priorities and strategy, including Vision Mātauranga

Lead and coordinate research projects in the spirit of the principles of the Sustainable Seas Collaboration Agreement, including development and coordination of proposals in response to Challenge RfPs, and collaboration with Māori and stakeholders

Review and report quarterly to the Science Leadership Team on the publications, new products and services, collaborations, co-funding, key research achievements and progress towards the Challenge Objective and Mission, including a progress update for each project

Advise the Director of any issues associated with the delivery or performance of the Challenge research projects or related activities, including capability needs, that will affect the performance of the Challenge

Interact with other Challenge Science Leaders to ensure research coordination across the Challenge, and minimise the creation of silos

Prepare material required for MBIE reporting or reviews, and oversee science quality.

Process

The Director will make recommendations to the Governance Board regarding the appointment of the Science Programme Leader for the Challenge.

Please submit your CV together with a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role.  

Submit your application by 5.00pm Friday April 22nd 2016 to [email protected].

For more information regarding SLT positions contact Challenge Director Julie Hall ([email protected]  04 386 0322 or 027 595 2369).

Criteria

The Director will use the following criteria in the selection of the Science Programme Leaders and will also consider the overall balance and compatibility of the team.

Primary criteria

• Understanding of the Challenge Mission and Programme objectives. For the Science Leadership Team to operate effectively it will require people who understand the Mission and how the Programmes fit within it.
• Communication. The highly participatory nature of the Challengewill require the SLT to communicate and engage with Māori industry, communities, central and local government.
• Project management experience or potential. Some of the reporting and administrative tasks for the Challenge will be the responsibility of the Science Programme leaders requiring skills in the area of project management.
• Overall composition of the team. To limit the scope for disciplinary or thematic bias in the selection of projects it is necessary to have a range of disciplinary backgrounds on the Science Leadership Team.
• Academic breadth and intellectual curiosity. Deep expertise is valuable within a Programme, but in order to build a successful research plan that integrates across Programmes, Science Programme Leaders Leadership will need to have some familiarity with (at least some) other aspects of the Mission’s research outside their own research area.
• Networks and Connections. The Sustainable Seas will build upon, and integrate with, relevant international research programmes and projects. Utilising existing extensive research and stakeholder connections and having the capacity to extend such connections will be important.

Secondary criteria

• Academic breadth and intellectual curiosity. Deep expertise is valuable within a Programme, but in order to build a successful research plan that integrates across Programmes, Science Programme Leaders Leadership will need to have some familiarity with (at least some) other aspects of the Mission’s research outside their own research area.
• Networks and Connections. The Sustainable Seas will build upon, and integrate with, relevant international research programmes and projects. Utilising existing extensive research and stakeholder connections and having the capacity to extend such connections will be important.