MATRIX, the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, is advertising for its new Chair.

There was an initial call for applications for both Chair and panel members in October. Unfortunately, the process did not generate sufficiently diverse applications from industry sectors. The decision has therefore been taken to revise the selection criteria and re-run the recruitment process.

The selection panel took on board comments that the original stipulation that applicants must have a STEM degree meant that some industry leaders were not eligible to apply, despite being otherwise well qualified.

The decision to readvertise was a difficult but necessary one which in no way reflects on the quality of previous applications. Previous applicants are strongly encouraged to reapply.

Panellists can come from any science & technology based sector, but applications are particularly welcomed from those working in the following sectors:

  • Advanced Manufacturing, Materials & Engineering
  • Life & Health Sciences
  • Renewable Energy
  • Advanced Construction
  • Agri-tech
  • Digital ICT

Applications are particularly welcomed from women, who are currently under-represented on the panel.

We currently have sufficient academic representation through ex-officio membership from HE institutions and FE colleges, so we are specifically seeking applications from the commercial sector.

Applications for the post of Chair are now open. The closing date is the 31st January, with interviews being held in February. Applications for panel membership will take place later in the year.

Full details on how to apply for the post of Chair are available at the links below.

It has also decided to reinstate remuneration payments in line with those offered for other public appointments for the Chair and Panel Members, in order to reflect the respect the Department for the Economy has for the time and effort MATRIX members put in to the role.

Welcoming the relaunch of the recruitment process, former Matrix chair Dr. Rob Hardeman said:
“We want to ensure that the Matrix panel has the best possible representation across all science and technology sectors. Over the course of the October call for applications, we took on board feedback from industry leaders that the requirement of a STEM degree could exclude otherwise suitable applicants.

“We also wanted to separate the competition for Chair from the wider panel competition. By appointing the Chair first, they will be able to fully participate in the selection of new members and use their expertise and experience to help actively shape the new MATRIX panel.”