He Seeks Him Here He Seeks Him There the Chief Scientist Seeks Him Everywhere. (October 8, 2012)

Immediate past vice-chancellor of ANU, Ian Chubb, Australia's Chief Scientist for the past 17 months -- come October 23 -- since he filled the vacancy left by the resignation of astronomer Penny Sackett, is looking for help to get the Australian population from Kindy to Cabinet  interested, proactively and otherwise in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and STEM education.

He has allocated $4.3 million of his discretionary budget toward this goal with $140,000 - $165,000 as a salary package and the rest for travel, advisors and research projects. We understand Professor Chubb currently gets about twice that stipend for being the Chief Scientist for Australia.

According to the Australian's Jill Rowbotham Professor Chub wants: "Someone to act as a bridge in a way we've never had before in this country. [We need] somebody who understands quite deeply the role of science and mathematics in Australia and Australia's future, somebody who knows how to articulate that.

"Experienced visionary leaders" are welcome to apply but they will be expected to "develop and provide policy advice to government", using "excellent interpersonal skills" and "exceptional communication skills".

And finally: "Without wanting to be ageist, I'd say the ideal would be someone a bit closer in age to the students and others they will deal with [but] that's not to exclude the others."

Many years ago C. Northcote Parkinson pointed out in Parkinson's Law: The Pursuit of Progress that the perfect advertisement is one in which only one individual applies and he or she is the right person for the job.

In this case TFW consulted Vladimir and Estragon as to their views and without hesitation they said the choice was obvious, would probably do the job at a salary of $1 per annum, plus expenses, is without peer and is a quick study -- AND  Professor Chubb, using all the means at his disposal, should enlist him forthwith.

"And who is that," we asked.