The Ocean Census
A 10-year international scientific endeavour to accelerate the discovery of ocean life and increase equitable access to ocean life data. Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton Foundation, it's an open Alliance of scientists from over 350 institutes and dozens of government, scientific, business, technology, civil society, and philanthropic partners.
The Role
Lead the science programme to discover ocean life and develop, manage, and coordinate the international alliance of science partners contributing to the Census. As Head of Science, you'll lead a major global marine biodiversity programme, radically advance our knowledge of ocean life, catalyse global marine conservation, and harness and champion equitable, international collaboration.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
• Strategy: co-developing and implementing the science strategies of Ocean Census, including species discovery, data management, and conservation applications.
• Management and leadership of the science Department, including project management, team management, and budget management.
• Fundraising: co-developing fundraising plans and applications to support programme growth.
• Partnerships: Lead development and management of science partnerships across marine research, curation, museums, collections, data, digitisation, technology, policy, and related expedition activities.
• Spokesperson: Represent Ocean Census at international events and meetings with stakeholders.
• Reporting: Create accurate reports of progress for Programme Director, Founding Partners, and Ocean Census Steering Committee.
• Publish: academic and general audience papers to support the objectives of Ocean Census.
• Expeditions and Workshops: Lead in-field science activities of Ocean Census Expeditions, including pre-expedition and post-expedition events with host countries.
KEY ATTRIBUTES:
• Proven experience of leading or managing an international science programme with a global network of science partners.
• Proven experience of management, specifically related to marine biodiversity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to lead the science programme, support public engagement, and expeditions with international partners.
• A strong understanding of marine biodiversity and ecological research processes, specifically related to taxonomy, molecular biology, and large data.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple areas of work.
• A strong understanding of the experience and skills required to successfully lead remote marine fieldwork.
• A strong understanding of the processes, activities, and skills required to develop equitable field operations.