Chief Scientist

Location

This role can be based in the Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9SY or in Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham GU10 4LH . We support blended working which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from the workplace. You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

About the job

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research?

Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is the UK’s leading forest research organisation, with a GB remit, that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners . Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.
We’re small enough that individual voices are heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission (FC), that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and committed to sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer that promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing applied research organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage – Forest Research

FR has gone through a rapid period of growth and now needs to consolidate on this and ensure long term sustainable growth in key areas for forestry. This is a fantastic opportunity for a new Chief Scientist to set a strong direction for the portfolio of research programmes as well as independent challenge to the scope, content and quality of FR's scientific activities.

Job description

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, as Chief Scientist, you will lead on all science research across the organisation, including investment plans for science, programmes and specialist resources. You will be a key member of the FR Board with shared accountability for our corporate strategy. In addition, as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will be critical in setting our future direction, ensuring we have the skilled science professionals and facilities we need to deliver, while keeping an eye to the future.

As the Head of Profession for Science across FR, you’ll play a full and active role in the continued professional development of science professionals. You will foster talent development and set a positive example, empowering teams to grow and develop. You will represent FR in senior external forums and committees, confidently engaging with our stakeholders.

The post-holder will:

• Determine the scientific direction and research strategy for FR and help shape the cross-border science and innovation strategy for forestry;
• Ensure income generation opportunities for research are determined and delivered, overseeing the work of FR’s Research Office in implementing a full bid and project pipeline
• Line manage scientific, business development and knowledge exchange staff
• Represent FR in science and sector forums, and liaise with other Departmental and Agency Chief Scientists and the Government Office for Science;
• Take lead responsibility for science quality assurance, research ethics and integrity; the delivery of the main science and innovation core programmes and negotiation of FR’s science capital budget from Defra;
• Anticipate and predict the long term impact of national and international developments and the associated strategic challenges they might pose for UK forestry in order to direct FR’s science offer.
• Encourage FR scientists to participate in international collaborations, including International Union of Forest Research Organizations ( IUFRO) , and contribute to technical advice supporting UK participation in international mechanisms such as ForestEurope.

To be successful in this role you will;

• Be an authentic and credible leader, balancing strategic leadership and operational priorities
• Have strong commercial acumen, be experienced in developing external bids, science or consultancy income streams, and establishing business critical contacts
• Be an excellent scientist with international reputation, and curiosity for the many disciplines drawn upon by FR
• Inspire your staff, and others about our future and our work, with a strong ability to build networks across government, academia and the private sector.

Person specification

Are you an exceptional scientist with a track record as a motivational leader?

Are you someone that can combine scientific credibility and strategic judgement, with strong political antennae?

We are looking for an outstanding leader who will be empowered to deliver a large part of our strategy. We need someone capable of balancing strategic leadership of our science offering and be able to set and oversee operational priorities. You will also need to demonstrate your capability and potential against the following:

Essential Criteria:

• First and higher degrees in a relevant discipline
• International reputation and significant publication record in a relevant area of science (professorial level), with expertise in research management and the ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts to those less familiar with the subject matter
• An experienced senior leader with the ability to manage, motivate and drive a team to deliver high-level analysis and research projects
• Proven ability in leading and developing an organisational science strategy and linking it to policy priorities
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and challenge where necessary, credible both inside and outside the organisation
• Proven commercial acumen, experienced in developing external bids, science or consultancy income streams
• Experience of setting professional standards for science and effectively promoting and communicating science to a variety of audiences

Desirable Criteria:

• A good working knowledge of concepts of research integrity, research ethics and of Quality Assurance issues in line with the Government/Research Council Joint Code of Practice and accreditation requirements under the Chemical Regulations Directive
• Knowledge of research paths and funding streams and eligibility and role of Public Sector Research Establishment Value Framework within the funding landscapes
• Understanding of the forestry and/or land use research scene in UK
• An aptitude for, and commitment to, applied research

The demands of this position are such that frequent travel is essential around the United Kingdom and occasionally overseas.

Closing date: 11:55 pm on 23 February 2025.