CTRF - Head of Research Programme

Head of Research Programme

June

About CTRF

At CTRF our mission is to invest in the power of technology to supercharge natural systems and catalyse further funding, research and solutions. Established in 2020, we are a non-profit philanthropic entity, set up to fund cutting-edge innovation into the application of biotechnology to deliver enhanced, scalable solutions for carbon sequestration. We are led by the science and aim to highlight the significant potential in this area, by growing the current research knowledge pool, as well as demonstrating the case for additional investment from other foundations, companies and government agencies. Stig Arff, our founder, is passionate in his belief in the imperative for urgent action to remove carbon from the atmosphere to prevent dangerous warming.

The Role

Salary: £55k – £60k dependent on experience

Accountable to: The Chief Executive Officer

Hours of work: Flexible (full and part time can be considered), with a renewable contract of up to two years. This role could be considered as a secondment.

Location: Hybrid, with some time based in the Oxford office. This role requires the right to work in the UK.

Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Job Summary

CTRF is now seeking a Head of Research Programme to continue to develop its carbon removal research programme with universities and research institutions. This is a core position in the organisation, bringing scientific expertise and playing a significant role in implementing and evaluating the CTRF grant making strategy.

Working closely with the Scientific Advisory Council and CEO, you will ensure a transparent and rigorous process that enables CTRF to support high value research projects that contribute to tackling the climate emergency and deliver on CTRFs mission and goals. You will also manage relations with the principal investigators leading CTRF funded research.

CTRF is a new non-profit company with big ambition to tackle the climate emergency. As such, it is an exciting opportunity to make a positive difference. The role will adapt as we grow, so we are looking for someone who is versatile and willing to work at pace and is comfortable with the duties and responsibilities of this role potentially evolving in accordance with the development of the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Scientific Advisory Council, especially the Chair (Dr. Surabi Menon, Executive Director, Partnerships, COP28 UAE) to ensure the research projects are of the highest quality and in line with CTRF priorities.

• Collaborate with the international scientific community focused on greenhouse gas removal and biotechnology to build appropriate research networks and share best practice and results.

• Build the profile of CTRF as an effective actor in the climate research community; working closely with the Head of Communications to ensure research projects and results are communicated to external stakeholders and media channels. Play a key role in the development and convening of a network of researchers and funders engaged in the application of biotechnology for greenhouse gas removal.

• Carry out or commission market research to ensure CTRF is contributing to research projects, that have significant potential to tackle the climate crises through the removal and/or reduction of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere through the application of biotechnology to natural systems.

• Prepare, market and disseminate calls for proposals and fundingrelated information to the right external networks, stakeholders and academic institutions.

• Provide advice and support to potential partner organisations and grant applicants in the research community.

• Manage and support the grants manager, who will complete tasks such as risk and feasibility assessments and due diligence on potential grantees (researchers).

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Strong academic research background (PhD highly desirable) in a scientific discipline, preferably with experience in a relevant research area to CTRF.

• Confidence and credibility to work with leading research experts in fields of CTRF interest (biotechnology and carbon removal/natural processes).

• Ability to network and effectively represent CTRF in the research community.

• Experience working with organisational governance, boards, committees, and external suppliers/partners.

• Experience working in research environments, with some experience of research grant making and management.

• Motivated self-starter with drive and ambition and an ability to generate momentum though working collaboratively with others.

• Proactive, flexible mindset with the ability to quickly adapt to the needs of an evolving organisation.

• Experience of being part of a collegiate leadership team with ambition and commitment. Willing to take risks and adopt learning approach.

• Strong written and verbal communications skills, ability to synthesise large amounts of information quickly and clearly.

• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable

• Knowledge of learning and evaluation best practice and systems.

• Experience of working in small organisations in an entrepreneurial setting.

How to Apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter in two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process. The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

The document should be saved in PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy)-CTRF-Head of Research Programme. For example: DaveHillyard-CV-062023-CTRF-Head of Research Programme or DaveHillyard-CoverLetter-062023-CTRF-Head of Research Programme.

A current UK work permit is necessary to apply for this role.

Timeline:

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We hope to make an appointment by October, with interviews in September.

Selection process:

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

Equality Statement:

Equality and diversity are at the core of the CTRF’s values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Queries:

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email in the first instance: ctrf-head-research-programme@oxfordhr.com

About Oxford HR

Exceptional leaders can inspire change and propel purpose-led organisations towards reaching their world-changing goals. Finding such leaders can be a challenge; and yet their transition into leadership is vital to an organisations mission and success.

Oxford HR is a global leadership consultancy dedicated to searching for and supporting remarkable leaders and teams in purpose-led organisations.

We understand the nuances of purpose-led leadership because we’ve worked in organisations across the breadth of the sector ourselves. We’ve also worked with such organisations since 1995; so we appreciate just what benefits impactful people can bring.