Job Opportunity: Programme Leader in Weather Science (Internal only)
NCAS is seeking to appoint, from within our staff community, a new Weather Science Programme Leader. The role will provide coordination and leadership of NCAS science in this area working alongside the current programme leaders in Climate and Global Change, Air Pollution, Digital Atmosphere, and Training.
This 0.25 FTE role offers an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the newly reconstituted NCAS Science Strategy Board, contributing to and influencing how NCAS fulfils its role as a national provider of science research and capabilities. Over the next year, NCAS is developing its new science strategy and this role offers an opportunity to develop and grow a new research programme to improve understanding of fundamental physical and dynamical processes in the atmosphere. Using observations and models we will provide tools that will equip decision makers with accurate and useful predictions, including across the important interface between weather and climate scales.
Programme Leader role description
We anticipate you will develop your own approach to fulfilling the requirements of the role for the Weather Science programme. However, broad expectations are as follows:
- Playing a leading role in the development of the new NCAS science strategy;
- Maintaining an overview of NCAS capabilities, expertise, activities and opportunities in the Weather Science programme;
- Leading the development of a high level implementation plan for delivery of the programme;
- Promoting development of programme activities, e.g.:
- Developing research ideas and plans with relevant NCAS staff, particularly ideas that leverage NCAS National Capability activities.
- Coordinating and leading (where appropriate) research proposals in the programme area.
- Ensuring NCAS responds to and influences the international agenda in the programme area.
- Developing and coordinating strategic and other partnerships for programme research and/or impact.
- Encouraging and coordinating cross programme activities to maximise NCAS science outcomes.
- Ensuring that Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are embedded into all of the programme activities.
- Reporting progress on programme delivery to NCAS via the Science Director, Science Strategy Board and NCAS Management Board, and to NERC (including NERC evaluations);
- Actively contributing to the NCAS Science Strategy Board, which typically meets 4 times a year.
Terms of appointment
The appointment is for 3 years with the potential to extend for another 3 year term, subject to review.
No additional funding is provided, however a notional 0.25 FTE will be assigned to this role and will be included in the NCAS Delivery Plan and Site Contract.
As part of the role you will become a member of the NCAS Science Strategy Board which meets 4 times a year, in person. Priority should be given to attending these Board meetings.
In your Programme Leader role, you will be line managed by the NCAS Science Director. There are no direct line management responsibilities for NCAS staff.
How to apply
Letters of application (max 2 pages) explaining your interest in and qualifications for the role, and accompanied by an up-to-date CV, should be sent to the NCAS People Team.
Email: people@ncas.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is 09.00 on Tuesday 9 April 2024. Interviews will take place shortly after. These will involve a short presentation of your vision for developing a Weather Science programme.
If you apply, please ensure you have discussed the role and the terms of appointment with your NCAS line manager and you have their support.
This opportunity is open to all NCAS staff.
Who to contact to discuss the role further
If you have any queries or would like to discuss the role in more detail please don’t hesitate to contact Jacqui Hamilton, NCAS Science Director – jacqui.hamilton@ncas.ac.uk