Director Nuclear Research & Innovation
Job Introduction
The Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO) is operated by the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL). Our role is to provide independent strategic and technical advice and guidance to Government across a range of nuclear and energy-related activities. Our purpose is to enhance the economics of a safe, sustainable and reliable civil nuclear life cycle through maintaining the integrity and independence of the advice Government receives, and maximising its value. We do this through building strong relationships with Government, Industry and Academia and may represent the interests of Government nationally and internationally, as required. NIRO is made up of NNL, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Industry secondees who have the knowledge and experience to achieve this aim.
The nuclear industry faces important challenges, as we work to secure a close relationship with Euratom following the UK’s withdrawal, and begin implementation of the Nuclear Sector Deal (NSD). The NSD sets out am ambitious shared vision of Government and the nuclear industry to deliver reliable low-carbon power with significant cost-reduction to ensure it remains competitive with other sources of low-carbon technology. The NSD also signals a greater ambition for developing advanced nuclear technologies. New ideas and innovation will be crucial to meeting these challenges. NIRO plays a role in advising government on priorities for nuclear innovation necessary for delivering the NSD and ensuring uninterrupted cooperation and trade in the civil nuclear sector.
Role Responsibility
As Director Nuclear Research and Innovation, you’ll lead the development and management of a function providing high quality independent objective advice to Government on a range of technical topics. This will involve maintaining high quality relationships with Government officials, including operating as lead point of contact for Government on specific projects, and leading the development of advice. In particular, you will lead on the strategic and technical advice being provided to Government on the BEIS Nuclear Energy Innovation Programme. As part of this you will provide the support required by Government officials to identify nuclear research priorities and the business cases required to release the funds required to meet those priorities. Facilitating coordination between public sector funders of nuclear R&D will be required. As Director, you will deputise for NIRO’s Executive Director on an ad hoc basis. In addition you will supervise the NIRO team members engaged on the Nuclear Innovation Programme and associated support of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB).
The Ideal Candidate
As well as a comprehensive understanding of national and international nuclear energy policy issues, you should have experience of working constructively and effectively with Government and policy makers, and the ability to engage and work with customers and stakeholders at a senior level. Excellent customer and communication skills are important, as is the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences. Thought leadership will be a key ingredient in moving the nuclear sector forward. As such NIRO roles will be filled from individuals that have a broad range of backgrounds enabling a diversity of thought across the department.
Our role will be a secondment opportunity for a duration of 18 - 24 months. This is an unrivalled opportunity to play a highly visible and influential role in an organisation that will shape the safe, efficient future of nuclear in the UK and as such we are seeking as diverse a range of candidates as possible.
National Nuclear Laboratory