Deputy Executive Chair, EPSRC

Posted 6 hours 31 minutes ago by EPSRC

Permanent
Full Time
Academic Jobs
Wiltshire, Swindon, United Kingdom, SN256
Job Description
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Deputy Executive Chair

Salary: £91,943 - £99,000

Grade: Band X

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.6 FTE)

Contract: Open Ended, secondees and transfers welcome, minimum duration 2 years.

Location: Based at Polaris House, Swindon, with regular travel required.

Closing Monday 10th March 2025 at 23;59pm

Interviews are expected to be held in in person on 10th and 16th April at Caxton House, London

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving innovation in research funding? Join EPSRC as Deputy Executive Chair and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of engineering and physical sciences research in the UK and globally.

About EPSRC

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, investing over £1 billion a year in a broad range of subjects from mathematics to manufacturing, from AI to advanced materials, and information and communications technology (ICT) to structural engineering.

EPSRC's vision is to invest in world-leading research and skills to advance knowledge and deliver a sustainable, resilient and prosperous UK. Across our diverse portfolio we support new ideas and transformative technologies which are the foundations of innovations that improve the economy, environment, and society. Working in partnership across UKRI, government departments, and the wider research and innovation landscape, we want to:
  • Future proof the STEM workforce for the productivity of UK plc by creating forward thinking investments in skills and people that create a competitive advantage for businesses and world-class R&I.
  • Build a sustainable and vibrant National Capability in research and infrastructure for science-driven growth that underpins long term UK prosperity, national resilience and ensures international leadership across scientific and technological frontiers.
  • Catalyse the research and innovation the UK needs in Critical Technologies and Net Zero to spur new inwards investment and business impact in high growth industries.
The Role

As Deputy Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and a senior member of UKRI, you will use your in-depth understanding of EPS research and its potential to advance all areas of science to drive innovation in the research funding system, develop priority areas for future investment, and communicate this vision passionately to our key partners.

You will work closely with the EPSRC Executive Chair in driving and delivering EPSRC's vision and strategy nationally and internationally, working in collaboration with the Executive Chair and Executive Directors to provide leadership to EPSRC.

You, alongside leaders across EPSRC and UKRI, will play a pivotal role in strengthening EPSRC's position as the funder of world-leading research and innovation in EPS science in the UK, working with our science and engineering community to maintain and grow EPSRC's international presence and partnerships, and building EPSRC's commercialisation portfolio working with business and industry nationally and globally.

This role will have a specific focus on Talent and Skills, engaging with key stakeholders and advocating for the Engineering and Physical Sciences' needs to future-proof the STEM workforce in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

The EPSRC Deputy Executive Chair will:
  • Deputise for the Executive Chair at senior level UKRI boards and committees, at meetings with strategic partners (including senior leaders from Government, academia, and industry), and at engagement events with our scientific community.
  • Provide strategic leadership on Talent and Skills by leading EPSRC's representation across relevant UKRI and Government, engaging with and influencing stakeholders at the most senior levels outside and across the organisation.
  • Ensure EPSRC is well placed to contribute to designing and developing collective research, innovation and commercialisation approaches, working with Executive Chairs and relevant Directors from across UKRI, as well as key external partners.
  • Help develop strategy and investment options as part of EPSRC's Executive Board for Government Spending Reviews, EPSRC's Strategic Delivery Plan and EPSRC's contributions to UKRI's Corporate Plan.
  • Act as an ambassador for EPSRC in the academic, business and industry communities, ensuring that EPSRC and its scientific community provide a strong, unified voice for EPS research, innovation and commercialisation in the UK and internationally.
  • Use their knowledge and experience of the UK research and innovation landscape to engage and influence relevant stakeholders at the most senior levels to build support and confidence in the EPSRC delivery plan, catalyse new ideas and communicate the strategic outputs.
  • Ensure EPSRC has effective connections with research, innovation and commercialisation ideas and plans across UK Government and devolved administrations.
  • Ensure EPSRC builds and communicates its impact and outcomes evidence to build trust, legitimacy and credibility with its communities and external stakeholders.
  • Be a member of EPSRC's Executive Board and Chair of EPSRC's Strategic Leadership Board, leading and inspiring EPSRC staff and colleagues.
The team is primarily located in the Swindon area. Whilst an ability to lead and build relationships at a distance is beneficial, this is also a role where visibility will be important, so travel to our offices and sites on a regular basis is expected.

What we're looking for:

Candidates will be assessed against the following essential criteria throughout the recruitment process:
  • A strong track record of achievement and established credibility in a senior role relevant to the engineering and physical Sciences. This can include, but is not limited to, roles from across academia, business or policy. (S)
  • Substantial experience of working across the UK science funding landscape (S&I)
  • A deep understanding of Engineering and Physical Sciences and its applications relevant to EPSRC's mission. (S&I)
  • Nuanced political understanding and the ability to respond to the wider political environment in which EPSRC operates. (S&I)
  • A consistent track record of strategic planning and policy development with an ability to take a broad view across the EPSRC portfolio in formulating future strategy and priority areas for future investments. (S&I)
  • An ability to work within a fast-moving environment, troubleshoot problems and resolve issues as they emerge, anticipating obstacles and staying ahead of emerging risks. (S&I)
  • A proven strategic thinker with analytical skills and the ability to analyse and make sense of complex and potentially conflicting information to devise effective strategies to deliver desired outcomes and set priorities. (S&I)
  • A passionate communicator able to listen, influence and collaborate across a wide variety of audiences including delivering communications about research and research
(S) - Assessed at shortlisting (I) - Assessed at interview (S&I) - Assessed at both shortlisting and interview.

For the full responsibilities and requirements, please contact for the candidate pack.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below.
  • An excellent defined benefit pension scheme
  • 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
  • Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
  • Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
  • Flexible working options
Please click here for more details on the Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

How to Apply

Please submit your application via the Careers Portal by 23:59 on Monday 10th March 2025.

You will need to supply:
  • A curriculum vitae (up to two pages).
  • A supporting statement/ cover letter (up to two pages).
Your Statement of Suitability should provide specific information about why you believe you would be suitable for appointment for this role. Think about your knowledge, skills, experience, personal attributes, and vision for the organisation, and take full advantage of the space available. Use practical examples where possible and ensure you refer to which of the essential criteria your application is aligned to. Again, please aim for no more than 2 A4 pages.

Please note, failure to provide a supporting statement/cover letter or failure to address the above points may result in your application not being considered further. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and supporting statement, and not the 'experience' section of the application of Careers Portal.

To apply via the UKRI Careers Portal you will receive a notification confirming your profile has successfully been created (if you have not previously set up an account) and a second notification confirming your application for this role has been submitted.

. click apply for full job details