View Vacancy -- Programme Leader/Programme Leader Track - MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit - 163

Overall purpose:

We are seeking to appoint a scientist to direct a new research programme linked with the developmental research facility recently been established at the Centre for Attention, Learning and Memory (CALM) at the CBSU. The new programme will combine a strong interest in typical and/or atypical cognition during childhood with research in one of the major areas of research strength at the CBSU. It should meet international criteria for excellence in basic science, and have the potential for translational benefit. The scientific leader would be expected to be an independent researcher with an established track record on research, and to develop collaborative projects with other Unit programmes.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

Planning the scientific direction of own research group to address the mission and objectives of the CBSU, and being responsible for presenting the programme for peer review in accordance with MRC funding procedures.

Developing a research programme that exploits synergies with other CBSU programmes and broadens the overall portfolio of Unit research.

Directing the research of own research group, supervising projects personally and overseeing projects delegated to group members.

Determining, obtaining and managing the resource requirements to sustain own research programme, including the staffing structure required to achieve its goals.

Identifying translational opportunities arising from own core scientific programme where appropriate, and developing relevant partnerships that extend beyond the immediate academic community to make progress towards benefits for human health and well-being.

Establishing the strategy for dissemination of research output from the group by the publication of results, presentations at scientific meetings, and responding to media enquiries.

Participating in recruitment, management, and career development of group members.

Contributing to the aims and scientific direction of the Unit by membership of senior management forums, and by consultation and collaboration with other members of the Unit; undertaking Unit-wide responsibilities where appropriate, for example through membership of committees.

Contributing to the Unit’s programme of public engagement activities.

Generating and managing further collaborations, both with scientists in within the Unit and externally, in order to expand the scope of the programme. This may include identifying, obtaining, and managing resources and funding from non-MRC sources.

Contributing to the MRC’s commitment in the areas of training, enhancing public awareness of scientific issues, interaction with academic and health service providers and commercial exploitation where appropriate.

Contributing to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees, editing specialist journals, refereeing funding applications.

Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Essential:

PhD in a relevant discipline

Previous work experience required:

Essential: Significant (PLT) or substantial (PL) postdoctoral research experience which has resulted in major publications as a senior author. For a PL, these impacts would be expected to be significant in shaping directions within the field and for a PLT, these would be expected to be internationally recognised.

Desirable:

Engagement in research that has had or has the potential for implications for relevant fields of practice.

Successful collaborative working with research teams with complementary expertise.

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

Experience in directing and sustaining own research programme in a field relevant to the CBSU mission (PL) or of developing projects that have a strong potential for a programmatic approach (PLT).

Evidence of effective management of resources and research staff.

Ability to generate realistic plans for all aspects of complex projects and see them successfully though to completion.

Track record of securing research income from external sources (PL), or an excellent understanding of the opportunities to do so with the chosen field (PLT).

Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a cooperative research environment.

Desirable:

Enthusiasm for and ability to identify aspects of basic research that may have applications for other fields of practice that may include health, education, and policy.

Understanding of research governance issues.

Evidence for productive collaborative working with other research teams that adds significant value.