Director of the Bennett Innovation Laboratory (Fixed Term)
The Bennett Innovation Laboratory (BIL) is embedded within the Whittle Laboratory, part of the Department of Engineering in West Cambridge. The objective of BIL is to focus on the early stages of disruptive emerging technologies, leveraging these opportunities to transform national scientific strengths into global technological and industrial leadership.
We are seeking a visionary leader to direct and drive these strategic initiatives, foster high-level partnerships, and advance cutting-edge research in emerging technologies, particularly to accelerate global progress towards some of the world's most pressing challenges, especially those relating to achieving net zero.
The Director will provide strategic leadership by formulating and implementing BIL's strategy, overseeing financial performance, and ensuring research excellence. Responsibilities include recruiting and developing staff, leading the Lab's focus areas, and engaging with senior stakeholders across industry, government, and academia to advance BIL's mission.
BIL will concentrate on three strategic areas:
- Approaching technology challenges differently: This includes forming diverse teams with a wide range of skills and experiences, flexible funding structures, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Systems modelling: In sectors undergoing disruption, such as aviation and energy, it is crucial to understand the entire system to see how specific technologies can drive sector-wide change.
- Delivering impact: Collaborating with key stakeholders in government and industry to ensure that innovations achieve real-world impact at both national and international levels.
Several projects are already underway at BIL, including the Aviation Impact Accelerator.
Key responsibilities include establishing the Lab's structure and operations, leading impactful research projects, securing funding, building partnerships, and driving business development. Representing BIL at international forums will be essential, as will maintaining high-level relationships and managing relationships with the wider Whittle Laboratory team. The Director will also collaborate with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and other academic partners across the University to guide contributions to global sustainability efforts and shape international policy through initiatives such as the Aviation Impact Accelerator.
Success in this role requires excellent communication skills, business acumen, and expertise in engineering, innovation, and strategic leadership. The Director will ensure BIL's financial sustainability and expand its global influence through high-level stakeholder engagement and research addressing global challenges.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with strong technical expertise, particularly in areas related to the net zero transition, such as mechanical and chemical engineering, economics, and innovation. They will demonstrate strategic leadership skills, with experience managing high-impact research programs and bridging industry, government, finance, academia, and civil society.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of formulating research strategies, leading teams, and driving business development, including securing high-value partnerships and funding. They will have experience managing complex, multidisciplinary projects and working at an executive level in academia or business. The candidate should exhibit exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, particularly in engaging senior stakeholders, including international CEOs, policymakers, and government ministers. Additionally, a deep understanding of the political, policy, and economic contexts surrounding innovation and sustainability is essential, as is a commitment to advancing global technological and industrial leadership.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
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If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office at the Department of Engineering (hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk, 01223 332615). Informal inquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to: Prof Rob Miller FREng (rjm76@cam.ac.uk) and Lorraine Lorimer (lorraine.lorimer@admin.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference NM43394 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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