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This role sits within the Defence and Security Programme’s newly-established Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS). The successful candidate will work across a range of research projects relating to national security and technology policy, reporting directly into the Head of CETaS.

ROLE PURPOSE

In June 2022 the Turing established the UK Centre for Emerging Technology and Security. Engaging closely with senior stakeholders from across UK national security, the Centre conducts a range of research, analysis, advisory and engagement activities focussed on the implications of emerging technology for UK national security policy.

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to work within the new Centre. The successful candidate will work across a range of research projects relating to emerging technology and national security, engaging with stakeholders across the UK government, academia and the private sector. They will gain experience in designing and delivering high-quality mixed-methods research for an external audience, and relationship building with senior national security decision-makers. They will contribute directly to high-profile public research reports, and will have the opportunity to represent the Turing at various stakeholder engagement activities, such as workshops, conferences and other events.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, inquisitive and collaborative researcher, who will work alongside a growing research team at the Turing, engaging closely with external academic partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in delivering policy-focused research for a national security audience, specifically in the field of emerging technology and security. They will have experience of engaging with senior government decision-makers, and synthesising complex material in an accessible format for a non-expert policy audience.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The post holder will work closely with the Head of CETaS and Turing research team to:

• Develop, deliver and present high-quality academic research on topics related to emerging technology and national security policy
• Articulate the findings and implications of this research to a non-expert policy audience, through various channels (both written and verbal)
• Review and quality control written outputs produced by other researchers, both at the Turing and externally
• Co-organise CETaS events, such as workshops and conferences, to showcase the outputs from this research
• Support the work of policymakers, regulators and others by providing advice, attending workshops and giving presentations
• Support with building a community of policymakers, academics and private sector stakeholders focussed on emerging technology and national security policy
• Contribute to business development processes for future research grants

If applying at Senior Research level, you will also be required to:

• Proactively develop new project concepts and proposals and assume overall leadership for the delivery of CETaS research projects from inception to completion.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities for CETaS engagement activities such as events and workshops, and lead on the conceptual development of these research engagement activities.
• Build new research partnerships with external organisations to co-deliver collaborative CETaS research projects.

• A Masters-level qualification (PhD for Senior) in a research role related to security, defence, criminology, technology or a related discipline – or equivalent professional experience
• Strong experience of technology and security research, preferably in a policy context.
• In-depth understanding of academic research methodologies (qualitative and/or quantitative), as well as direct experience of applying qualitative and/or quantitative methods in a professional research project.
• A strong working understanding of the machinery of government and policymaking processes.
• Evidence of a strong publication record (commensurate with level of experience), including peer review of written material produced by others.
• Experience of working independently and in medium to large-scale teams, on collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects with academic and government partners.
• Good effective communication (oral and written) and the ability to communicate complex information in an accessible format for a non-expert audience.

Security Clearance:

• Research Associate - Valid UK security clearance (CTC minimum) with the ability to obtain SC once in post (see below for further information)
• Senior Research Associate: SC minimum, with the ability to obtain DV once in post (see below for further information)

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the duties, responsibilities 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.

Please specify in your application whether you are applying for the Research Associate or Senior Research Associate position. Please note that applications at the Senior level must meet the additional essential criteria listed in the person specificiation.

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: Sunday 05 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.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 1 year, with the possibility of extension following the initial term. The annual salary range is £40,850 - £46,200 for the Research Associate and £51,025-£52,500 for the Senior Research Associate, plus 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 building a diverse community and would like our leadership team to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

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 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].

Security Clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a pre-screening check prior to an offer being made. This check will be carried out by HMG Defence and Security Partners. Please be advised, by submitting your application you are consenting to this check, and your personal details (full name, date of birth and home address) to be passed onto our HMG Defence and Security Partners to carry out this check.

For the Research Associate role, candidates will need to hold a Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance at application stage as this is an essential requirement of the role. Candidates will either hold a Security Check (SC) clearance at application stage or apply for SC clearance upon appointment, and secure SC clearance within 6 months of the commencement of their employment, or in such longer period as the Institute may in its absolute discretion consider reasonable to obtain such clearance.

For the Senior Research Associate role, candidates will need to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance at application stage as this is an essential requirement of the role. Candidates will either hold a Developed Vetting (DV) clearance at application stage or apply for DV clearance upon appointment, and secure DV clearance within 6 months of the commencement of their employment, or in such longer period as the Institute may in its absolute discretion consider reasonable to obtain such clearance.

Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website: National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). To obtain this clearance there are nationality requirements. Applicants should check whether they are eligible to apply for CTC/SC/DV clearance before applying to this role. Candidates who are not granted, or unable to hold the required clearances will be ineligible to undertake this role.