Science Europe Vacancies – Senior Scientific Officers
Background
Science Europe (www.scienceeurope.org) is an association of 50 European research funding organisations (RFO) and research performing organisations (RPO) in 25 countries, founded in October 2011 and based in Brussels.
It promotes the collective interests of the RFOs and RPOs of Europe and supports its member organisations in their efforts to foster European research. It aims to strengthen the European Research Area through direct engagement with key partners. In doing so it will be informed by direct representation of all scientific communities in its reflections on policies, priorities and strategies.
As of July 2012, the Science Europe Office will have a team of six staff (Director, Head of Research Affairs, Head of Policy Affairs, Communications Manager, and two Senior Policy Officers), growing to 11 by the end of 2012.
Vacancies
In order to support the development of Science Europe, we are currently looking for three Senior Scientific Officers.
These positions are within the Research Affairs team, which ensures a strong voice for excellent and active researchers, through six Scientific Committees. The Senior Scientific Officers (SSO) will support the establishment and activities of these six Committees, which are:
- Medical Sciences
- Life Sciences (Environmental and Geo-sciences)
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences (including Materials Sciences)
- Engineering (including Geo- and Bio-engineering and Technological Sciences)
Responsibilities
- You will work within a team of three Senior Scientific Officers (SSOs) in the first instance, each supporting two Committees, reporting to the Head of Research Affairs;
- You will be responsible for managing Science Europe’s formal and informal contributions to the common views on future evolutions and priorities in science and research by the Scientific Committees;
- You will provide input to Science Europe statements to the European Commission, national governments or other bodies;
- You will support the Committee Chairs, and other members as required in drawing up reports and recommendations;
- You will organise activities supporting inter-disciplinary issues between Committees, in collaboration with colleagues;
- You will provide a secretariat function to two Committees, including meeting and agenda preparation, communication with members and drafting minutes;
- You will brief the Head of Research Affairs on issues relating to the Committees that you support;
- You will work closely with the Communications Manager, the Policy Affairs Unit and other staff, to ensure that relevant outputs from the Committees are widely disseminated and achieve impact; and
- On appointment of other Senior Science Officers at a future point you will provide an effective handover of functions related to one of your two committees.
Profile
Essential
- You have a PhD degree or equivalent active research experience in a discipline related to one or more Committees.
- You have a sound background and experience in research policy administration and/or science management/co-ordination, ideally within member organisations or similar;
- You have experience working in collaboration with senior academics;
- You have an understanding of European research funding structures and institutions;
- You have excellent inter-personal and communication skills, as well as networking, negotiating and persuasion skills;
- You have sound writing, briefing and analytical skills;
- You have strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage your time and to work to deadlines;
- You are team-oriented and able to work collaboratively with colleagues, as well as independently and without supervision when required;
- You have a pro-active, flexible and ‘hands on’ approach to work;
- You are fluent in English, which is the working language of Science Europe; and
- You are willing to travel within Europe if required (though your main activities will be in Brussels, occasional travel for short periods may be necessary).
Desirable
The following skills and experience would be beneficial:
- Knowledge of other European language(s);
- Experience of managing or supporting committees;
- A good basis in project management; and
- Experience working in an international context.
Salary and Benefits
You will have the opportunity to help shape a newly-founded organisation, and a high level of autonomy and a great challenge is therefore guaranteed.
These positions are full time for three years with possibility of extension.
Science Europe offers a competitive salary, in the range of €56K to €64K (gross annual salary), as well as benefits such as hospital and group insurance and extra vacation days. Please note that Science Europe is established under Belgian law, and that employment is within the Belgian tax and social security system.
Posts can also potentially be filled on a secondment basis.
How to Apply
Please apply by sending your CV and cover letter, detailing your suitability and motivation for the post, to careers@scienceeurope.org. Please include the names and contact details of two people who could provide a reference if you are short-listed for interview.
The deadline for applications is Monday 25 June 2012.
IMPORTANT: Please indicate clearly which Committee(s) you would be interested in working with.
Interviews
Interviews are provisionally scheduled in the week beginning 16 July 2012. If you know in advance that you will to be available during that week, or if there are restrictions on your availability during that week, please indicate this in your cover letter.
Further Information
Please direct any questions to careers@scienceeurope.org; telephone + 32 (0)2 550 15 63.
More information on Science Europe can be found on the website at www.scienceeurope.org.
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