LONDON — He was James Bond’s go-to guy for inventions that included dagger-embedded shoes, radioactive lint and a deadly sofa that swallowed people.
Now, Britain’s domestic spy agency — MI5 — is hunting for its very own “Q,” of sorts.
MI6’s sister organization, which carries out surveillance on terrorism suspects inside Britain and gives security advice to the government, is searching for someone to lead its scientific work. Projects could include everything from developing counterterrorism technology to tackling a biological or chemical attack.
“Looking for a chief scientific adviser to lead and coordinate the scientific work of the security service so that the service continues to be supported by excellent science and technology advice,” MI5’s website ad reads.
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and the suicide bombings in London in 2005, spy agencies around the world have raced to develop technological tools in the fight against terrorism.
Mobile phones equipped with sensors for detecting chemical, biological or radioactive agents are in the works. Others will probably be rolled out for the 2012 Olympics in London.
The biggest fear remains a chemical, biological or nuclear attack.
