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 is looking to recruit several Research Assistants in Global Ethics Futures to provide crucial support for our ongoing research projects within the Ethics Theme. These two-year positions will involve assisting the Ethics Theme in research and writing tasks, being directly involved in existing research, and helping to extend this research by facilitating the Turing’s engagement with external partners. Successful candidates will each focus primarily on one of the three ongoing projects detailed below; however, it is expected that they will collaborate with the team and when necessary, work across projects.

The three ongoing projects within the Ethics Theme are:

• Producing an algorithmic impact assessment and assurance framework with a concentration on international human rights as well as an accompanying user’s guide;
• Researching and analysing the context of children’s rights as they relate to AI through a series of engagements, supplemented with desk-based research.
• Advancing global and intercultural perspectives on data justice through the production of an extensive literature review and three preliminary guides aimed at policymakers, developers, and citizens.

The successful candidates will report to the Ethics Theme Lead. The post holders will work closely with academics and policymakers in an interdisciplinary, dynamic, and collaborative environment.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The core responsibilities of the Research Assistant are as follows:

• Assist the Public Policy Programme’s Ethics Theme and postdoctoral research associate in the development and delivery of research outputs. This work may include both desk and field research duties with a view to creating actionable policies, best practices, and other recommendations.
• Help the Public Policy programme organise workshops, events, and public engagement exercises.
• Participate in internal seminars of relevant research interest groups, as well as external meetings with representatives of government agencies, third sector organisations, and the media.

OTHER DUTIES

• Teaching may be required as part of collaboration work

Essential:

• A Master’s degree awarded in a discipline with a specialism that provides suitable theoretical tools for understanding the ethical issues raised by data science, AI, and related digital technologies, and their social implications. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Excellent communication skills in writing and speaking.
• Interpersonal skills relevant to working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and communicating with stakeholders in academia, the public sector, and industry.
• Ability to work flexibly, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines and maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrable organisational skills.
• Experience supporting research including desk-based literature review, content analysis and summary, and compiling and formatting bibliographic material.
• Strong interest in digital technologies, and in related ethical debates; strong knowledge of existing AI ethics and governance frameworks.
• A demonstrated interest in the mission of the Alan Turing Institute, and in exploring the real-world impact of cutting-edge technology.

Desirable:

• Experience in applied ethics research, e.g. computing ethics, business ethics, medical ethics, environmental ethics, and within organisational settings such as ethics committees, ethics review boards, governmental agencies, the third sector, or private organisations.
• Project management experience.
• A developing record of scientific publication (appropriate to stage of career development), which may include journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports/white papers.

Please see the Job description attachment for a full breakdown of the duties and responsibilities as well as the 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; covering letter that outlines how you meet the job specifications; sample piece of writing (an academic paper, journal article, blog post, conference proceeding, or equivalent).

If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact them on 0203 862 3357 or 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.

Sample writing can be submitted on the same attachment as your Cover Letter or emailed directly to [email protected] , quoting the job title in the subject line.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is a full-time post on a 2-year fixed term contract length. The salary range offered for the role is £34,500 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 03 October 2021 at 23:59.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. All employees are expected to embrace, follow and promote our EDI Principles and Rules of the Game. 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, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

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

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].