The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The Institute is named in honour of the scientist Alan Turing and its mission is to make great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence research in order to change the world for the better.

THE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMME

The public policy research programme works alongside policy makers to explore how data-driven public service provision and policy innovation might help to solve long running societal problems. We also work hand-in-hand with public sector organisations and citizens to develop practice-based ethical standards for the responsible development and use of data science and AI.

In addition to our work with government and regulators, we carry out interdisciplinary academic research on a wide variety of topics, from identifying policy priorities using agent computing to tackling modern slavery and quantifying online hate speech. Our research projects rely entirely on public funds and their primary aim is to contribute to the Institute’s mission of making great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence research in order to change the world for the better.

ROLE PURPOSE

There is growing demand from the UK's government for AI approaches that improve the provision of public services. The public policy programme is setting up a substantial programme of work in AI for public services and is looking to recruit someone to lead these efforts. The role is suited to someone educated to PhD level with a proven track-record in tackling public sector challenges with data science and AI. The postholder will provide crucial stewardship of the Turing’s AI for public services research and lead the Turing’s engagement with external partners in this area. The successful candidate will join the Institute’s public policy programme and have line management responsibilities for several PDRAs. The post-holder will report to the Director of the Turing’s public policy programme.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The core functions of the Head of AI for Public Services are as follows:

• Set up and lead a programme of research centred on building AI applications to improve the provision of public services.
• Lead the public policy programme’s engagement with external stakeholders in the area of AI for public services. The successful candidate will play a central role in setting the strategic direction for collaboration with government partners and international organisations in relation to AI initiatives. We expect the post-holder to meet with 10+ new organisations each year and establish partnerships with key stakeholders in the area of AI for public services, such as DWP and MHCLG.
• Act as the link between the Turing’s external partners and the programme’s researchers. Externally, the postholder will meet with the Turing’s partners and define the scope and the timelines for the projects. Internally, they will set the intellectual direction for this work and develop and implement work-plans to ensure timely delivery of objectives.
• Liaise with the other themes and researchers within the public policy programme and the wider Turing community, exploring synergies and developing joint initiatives. There will be opportunities, for example, for the postholder to collaborate closely with the programme’s online safety team as well as the ethics theme.
• Act as an official ambassador for the programme’s work.
• The Head of AI for Public Services will also serve as the line manager to other programme team members, including several PDRAs.

• A PhD in a discipline that provides suitable theoretical and empirical foundations for the use of AI in public services.
• Extensive experience in an academic or policy-related environment.
• A deep knowledge and understanding of AI and data science solutions for the provision of public services.
• Prior experience working on online harms.
• Experience line managing or mentoring academic researchers.
• A solid understanding and an excellent ability to communicate complex and technical aspects of digital innovation such as machine learning, data supply chains, and other emerging digital technologies.
• Knowledge/understanding of the UK government and policy-making landscape.
• Experience working with policy makers, such as local authorities, government departments, or international organisations .
• Communication and advocacy skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to express and present ideas and concepts clearly and coherently to diverse audiences.
• A proven ability to collaborate successfully in a multidisciplinary environment and to manage delivery of projects.

Please see JD for a full breakdown of duties and Person Specification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 0203 862 3340, or email [email protected].

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to [email protected] quoting the job title.

CLOSING DATE: THURSDAY 21 OCTOBER 2021 at 23:59.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a 2 year fixed term basis, with the possibility of extension. The annual salary is £66,000 - £70,000 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are committed to building a diverse community and would like our leadership teal to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process will be made for any candidates with a disability.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected].