快猫短视频

Wanted: Science advisor for British spy agency

If it hadn't been for Q Branch, James Bond would have been dead long ago. But could any of 快猫短视频's readers fill the boots of the real-life Q?
Desmond Llewellyn as Q in
Desmond Llewellyn as Q in 鈥淕oldeneye鈥, with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond
(Image: SNAP / Rex Features)

If it hadn鈥檛 been for Q Branch, James Bond would have been dead long ago. But can any of 快猫短视频鈥榮 readers fill the boots of the real-life Q?

While Bond and Q work for Britain鈥檚 , the security service, MI5, wants in on the act. It is currently recruiting a chief scientific adviser to co-ordinate how science and technology are used across its branches.

The job is being , and specifies that the candidate should be of a high academic standing 鈥 probably an or 鈥 have demonstrated management skills at a senior level in a medium-to-large organisation, and ideally have experience of working within a complex government environment.

The post will take up two or three days a week, and will last 3-5 years.

鈥淚t could be a scientist or an engineer, and they鈥檙e open-minded about what areas of scientific expertise a person has,鈥 says a spokesman for the UK , which supports evidence-based policy making across government.

Listening in

However, recruitment consultants , who are advertising the role, say that expertise in at least one of: physics, chemistry, acoustics, optics, materials science, radiofrequency technologies, communications, telephony and data mining would be an advantage 鈥 suggesting that developing cutting-edge of surveillance technology is one of MI5鈥檚 goals.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 unlikely the candidate will be required to create a new weapons system for the latest Aston Martin,鈥 , the government鈥檚 chief scientific adviser told the BBC. 鈥淣evertheless there is a really important role in providing scientific and technological advice that agents working in the field will address.鈥

As for the type of person that will fit in at MI5, Egon Zehnder International offers the following advice: 鈥淭o get things done in the Security Service, individuals need to be pragmatic and results oriented 鈥 credibility comes through delivery and an ability to build good working relationships. The incumbent will be looked on as a role model for thought leadership and integrity and will live by the values of the Security Service.鈥

Discretion is also essential, as applicants are told they should only discuss their application with a close partner or immediate family. Applications close on 24 April.

Topics: Crime / Forensics / Weapons