BNSC/STFC call for nominations for the position of Chair of the Space Science Advisory Committee and ESA Science Programme Committee Advisor

Closing date 8th February 2010

The position of the Chair of the Space Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) and ESA Science Programme Committee (SPC) Advisor will become vacant on 1st April 2010. STFC and the BNSC are seeking applications from members of the UK astronomy space programme for this appointment.

Position Specification

The successful candidate will:

1. Chair the Space Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) meetings. SSAC is one of the BNSC programme advisory Boards.
   
   
2. Represent SSAC interests at other cross-community advisory committees of BNSC. In particular, provide advice on space science issues to the BNSC European Union Advisory Board (EUAB) and attend when necessary. Attendance may also be requested at ad hoc STFC or BNSC meetings.
   
   
3. As Chair of the SSAC the post holder will be expected to assist the Committee in complying with its Terms of Reference. The Committee will meet at least three times a year i.e. before each ESA Science Programme Committee meeting and will:
   
   
   1. brief the UK delegates on the ESA Science Programme Committee and subsidiary committees, taking due regard of the policies set by BIS and STFC;
      
      
   2. provide advice the Director General BNSC, and STFC’s PPAN on national and international aspects of space science policy, strategy and programme requirements as requested.
      
      
   3. identify significant near, medium and long term opportunities to develop and exploit the UK’s technology base for space science and secure the collaboration between government, industry and academia needed to capitalise on these opportunities for the UK.
   
   
4. Attendance at the ESA Science Programme Committee (SPC) meetings as a UK advisor with strong scientific standing. The SPC usually meets three times per annum, but may call extraordinary and ad hoc meetings as required. The UK delegates present the STFC/BNSC view on ESA programmatic issues in line with the briefing material.
   
   
5. Remuneration will be in accordance with the Honoraria and allowances for Council and Advisory Panel members. (link opens in a new window)
   
   
6. The appointment will be for three years from 1st April 2010.

Selection procedure

The selection will be made in accordance with the criteria set out on the STFC Advisory Committee selection process. (link opens in a new window)

Interviews are taking place in order to complete the selection procedure.

SSAC Chair/SPC Delegate Person Specification - Required strengths:

• The ability to take a broad overview and to summarise a consensus of opinions
• Familiarity with the space science programme in Europe and internationally
• Awareness of issues within the European space programme
• Good standing within the space science community and the ability to represent it
• The ability to employ diplomacy as required

STFC will seek the best members possible for its advisory bodies but also seeks to ensure that membership reflects the diversity within the relevant research communities and encourages equality with regard to gender, race and disability.

Applications should be a maximum of 2 pages in length and should include the following:

• the applicants area(s) of science expertise and current activity,
• appropriate qualities including academic/industrial background knowledge of the subject area and the SSAC,
• experience of serving on committees, particularly those related to the Research Councils,
• justification of applicant’s suitability for the position
• any possible conflicts of interest

Applications should include contact details together with details of current position and seniority.

Interviews will take place with Professor Keith Mason and Dr Chris Castelli on 3rd March 2010.

Please send your application to Dr Chris Castelli and Rosemary Young by Monday 8th February 2010 at the latest.

For further information please contact Dr Chris Castelli (Tel: 01793 442 191)