Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) is pivotal in the development of the Institute’s strategic plan, the Institute’s scientific strategy and scientific leadership of QIB. The CSO will be a highly respected leader who can provide clear scientific direction, leadership and management.
The post holder will continue to lead their research group delivering against the agreed research outcomes while working closely with the QIB Director and as a member of the QIB Executive Board to develop plan and implement the scientific strategy.
The role requires significant experience as a successful Group Leader who demonstrates the Institute values and is a role model for excellence in scientific leadership. They will work collaboratively, and engage with colleagues across the Institute, internal and external stakeholders and the QIB Board.
Key Relationships
Line Management - Group leaders, Indirect: ISP (soon to be renamed NI2SP) leaders.
Internal - Executive Board, Group Leaders
External - Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), The John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. National and international partners. NBI Partnership, who provide support services in support functions including Human Resources, Computing, Finance, and Risk Management. Other research institutes, universities, schools, commercial organisations and funding agencies in the UK, EU and internationally.
Other - Board of Trustees.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementPhD relevant to one of our four key research themes of gut and the microbiome, healthy ageing, food innovation and food safety
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementAn internationally recognised scientific leader, well acquainted with both the UK and the international science systemExcellent first/last author publication record in peer reviewed journals, together with demonstrable international peer recognition in areas of science relevant to the Institute’s visionKnowledge of the grant proposal process and associated funding schemes (BBSRC, EU)Strong collaboration skills, and experience of successfully developing and maintaining key relationships with diverse stakeholdersKnowledge Health & Safety regulations and procedures
Relevant Experience
RequirementSenior scientific leadership experience within a similar organisation and roleSignificant experience in a senior leadership role in a public or private research institution
Management and Leadership
RequirementHigh level of personal resilience, including the ability to support the Director and other ISP Leaders in providing a clear and consistent vision and A strong team player, focussed and committed to delivering and helping colleagues achieve their goalsDemonstrable success in dealing with highly sensitive issues in a complex environmentAbility to horizon-scan to identify opportunities and risks Significant experience of managing and motivating teams ensuring the highest levels of performance are achieved
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementExcellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to articulate science strategy to individuals, groups and to develop effective relationships in the context of research and scientific committeesPositively engages staff at all levels and enthusiastically promotes the visionAble to demonstrate sound judgement in decision makingDemonstrates discretion and sound judgment in dealing with confidential, sensitive, and difficult issues
Additional Requirements
RequirementAttention to detailPromotes equality and values diversityPromotes and roles models QIB ValuesCredibility, tact and diplomacy