14 DAY TRIAL // The British Security Service, commonly known as MI5 (or Military Intelligence, Section 5), is currently in the process of appointing a new Science Chief. His or her role will involve dealing with terrorist threats, including those referring to biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, as well as supporting counter-intelligence operations for the UK. The new Science Chief will work closely with high-ranking intelligence staff in the government.
“There is a really important role in providing scientific and technological advice on addressing problems agents in the field will face. [The chief science adviser at MI5] has a role to frustrate terrorism to prevent espionage hurting the UK, protect our critical national infrastructure and to frustrate the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. There's an enormous amount of scientific content in this role,” Professor John Beddington, who is the chief scientific adviser for the UK government, told BBC News
According to the announcement on the MI5 webpage, “We are looking for a Chief Scientific Adviser to lead and co-ordinate the scientific work of the Security Service so that the Service continues to be supported by excellent science and technology advice.” It goes on to say that the ideal candidate needs to have world-class scientific expertise and credibility in relevant scientific and technology disciplines, as well as outstanding influencing and communication skills. Previous experiences in team-building and working in very complex environments under extreme pressure are also among the demands.
“The appointment of a chief scientific adviser is an acknowledgment of the emerging threat of chemical, biological and radiological attack by terrorists and also the security threat to computer systems. A chief scientist for MI5 will change Britain's capability to manage terror attacks,” New Risk Security Consultancy representative Dr. Sally Leivesley said. In addition, she explained, the new Science Chief at MI5 would also represent a center of coordination among the world's largest laboratories, in the event of a widespread chemical, biological, or nuclear attack.
“This means that large science labs around the world can be co-ordinated in the event of an incident,” Dr. Leivesley shared. The job “will involve a sort of future gazing to see where technology will be taking us in a year or so,” Beddington concluded.