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The successful candidate will work on the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity Systems project. They will work closely with the Principal Investigators, the Technical Development Manager, other PDRAs and programme management staff across the team.

The project and role sit within the Finance and Economics Programme which brings together leading experts in data science, machine learning, finance and the social sciences, from both academia and industry to tackle the most challenging questions by producing world-leading research with significant impact. The programme works closely with government and the industry to exploit the potential of new technologies in the financial sector and economic research, and to position the UK as the leader in these areas. The programme is led by the Programme Director, Lukasz Szpruch.

ROLE PURPOSE

A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) is an important tool for ensuring that processing of personal data could result in infringements to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. However while so important for identifying and minimising data protection risk it is evident that not all are equal in quality and steps need to be taken as PIAs become common practice to prevent the list of poorly executed examples become more prevalent and potentially the norm. Supporting guides such as the example from the UK’s ICO provide a number of checklists for undertaking and assessing a PIA. The ICO can also provide support by reviewing submitted PIAs however this process can take between six and fourteen weeks. Because the ICO offer this service and that many PIAs validity are questioned it is evident that breaches to GDPR are still common and further resources are needed to support PIA completion.

Compounding this issue is the advancement of technology, the use of biometrics, CCTV, mobile device applications all contribute to the complexity of data collected, its processing and the associated laws protecting it. With no formal standards in place the complexity and cost implications can only increase, this project aims to help mitigate these issues.

The research to be undertaken by the successful applicant is an analysis of processes for developing of PIAs. The work will specifically focus within the context of digital ID, to provide guidance, through the definition of best practice and an overarching formal standard for producing quality outputs in this area. The research will consider all aspects of personal data with additional focus on special categories, i.e. biometrics, religious or philosophical beliefs, health etc. Specific use cases will be devised, these will be used to form and demonstrate how to apply correct and effective practices under the guidance of the standard to be developed.

Project deliverables

• A set of best practice guides for completing quality PIAs
• A new standard for developing PIAs that will be submitted to an appropriate body
• Final report that presents findings and demonstrates the use of guides and standard produced
• Publication on process / findings

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Scope, pilot and deliver high quality research activity under the Direction of the Principal Investigator and Programme Director:
• Drive collaboration with academic experts and broader research partners from across the Turing and the wider Turing community
• Publish and disseminate high-quality research papers and publications detailing research output and project case-studies.
• Become part of the broader partnership team and be expected to engage on a regular basis with the partner.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work at internal and external events hosted by Turing and/or the partner.
• Contribute to the life of the Institute and support its community.
• To undertake appropriate administration tasks
• Support the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of the research programme.

• Research Assistant: Near completion of higher degree or equivalent level of professional qualification in Mathematics, Computer Science or closely related discipline.
• Research Associate: PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent level of professional experience
• Experience of development / assessment of PIAs.
• Experience of developing user guides and formal standards/procedures.
• Track record of research within cybersecurity.
• Track record of the ability to initiate, develop and deliver high quality research aligned with the research strategy indicated by the PI and any industrial stakeholders and to publish in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
• Ability to write research reports and papers in styles accessible to both academic and lay audiences.
• An ability to collaborate successfully in a multidisciplinary environment across different levels of seniority.

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 020 3970 2148 or 0203 862 3340, or email [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday 7th March 2023 at 23:59

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date if enough applications are received.

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.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on fixed term basis for 6-months from the date of appointment (possibility of extension). The successful candidate must be in post no later than 01 June 2023. Research Assistants will be appointed at an annual salary of £38,236. The salary range for Research Associates is £ £40,850 - £46,200.

This offer includes our excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter.

We are currently assessing the results of our hybrid working trial, which ran for six months. We will soon publish a long-term workplace policy: as a guide, we anticipate this will be between 2-4 days per month. Some roles may require the jobholder to spend a greater number of days in the office, but the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

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 making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive.

This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [email protected] to find out how we can assist you.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to continuous eligibility 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].