Help Wanted: Spy Agency Seeks Gadget Guru

LONDON, April 19, 2009— -- How would James Bond have defeated Goldfinger without the assistance of the ever-loyal Q? No matter how exotic the location, Q always popped up baring an endlessly inventive and often improbable set of gadgets.

From underwater cars with ejector seats to watches with hidden dart guns, it seemed there was no weapon too wacky and no technology too taxing, for Bond's affable counterpart to master.

Today Britain's security service, known as the MI5, is looking to hire a real-life Q, or "chief scientific adviser" as the agency is calling it. On the Web site, the agency says applicants must have "world-class scientific expertise" and "excellent strategic skills."

"It probably sounds like a fun job, but what they'll be looking for is an eminent scientist," explained security analyst Dr. Sally Lievesley. "They'll be wanting someone who can communicate very quickly to the prime minister if we've got an emergency."

The gadget guru will have to protect the country against covertly organized threats to its national security and keep British intelligence up to speed on the latest developments in technology. And there have been many advances since the days of flame-throwing bagpipes.

At the "Spymaster" store in London, Julia Wing gave ABC News a tour of the latest intelligence gathering gadgets. From hidden cameras in pens and cigarette cases to night vision goggles, there's little in surveillance that you can't find here.

Wing said, "It's very difficult to imagine that cameras are going to get any small -- they're already pinhole size. And with microphones, you can't really get any more sensitive. So it's gonna be interesting to see what this new Q will come up with."

In reality the new Q will likely devote most time to combating domestic terrorism, particularly in the case of a chemical or biological attack.

So how do Londoners feel about filling the position? ABC News spoke to several people who had some major reservations about the job.

"I wouldn't like the job because I get bored with techno things," said Chris, a father of four, who did not give his last name.

"No, weapons aren't really my bag," said Dan, who did not disclose his last name. "Kinda cool on the screen, yeah, but in reality not particularly interested."

But not everyone was against the idea. Bond fan Sarah told ABC News, "I'd definitely be up for the job. It's quite challenging. It would be good fun trying out new gadgets and new toys, and maybe doing something to help the world."

For those who do fancy yourselves as a modern-day Q, and who have British passports, applications should be in by April 24 ... and should be kept top secret.