Research Assistant, Public Policy

Alan Turing Institute London United Kingdom Research Programmes
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Company Description

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.

Position

The Public Policy Programme works alongside policy-makers to explore how data-driven public service provision and policy innovation might help 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. Our dynamic group works closely with the government agencies, as well as international organisations like the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Commission.

In addition to our work with international organisations, governments, and regulators, we carry out interdisciplinary academic research on a wide variety of topics, from identifying policy priorities using agent computing to 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

The Public Policy Programme is looking to recruit a Policy Research Assistant to help us advance our innovative and high-profile research. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Helen Margetts and Dr Cosmina Dorobantu, the programme’s Director and Co-Director, and will provide research assistance across the programme’s activities in the area of data science for policy-making and public services provision. Versatility will be key to success in this role. The post-holder will have a can-do attitude and be able to provide research assistance on a wide variety of high impact projects, ranging from the use of technology in government to promoting online safety, informing digital trade provisions, and supporting the creation of regulation and standards governing AI technologies. No candidate will have expertise in all the areas in which they will contribute in this role, but the successful one will have a desire to learn and a keen interest in fostering government innovation using data science and AI. The role will offer the successful candidate opportunities to grow and learn as a researcher by working alongside academics and policy makers in an interdisciplinary, dynamic, and collaborative environment. The post-holder will be line managed by Dr Cosmina Dorobantu.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • Assist the Public Policy Programme’s Director and Co-Director in conducting research and producing innovative research outputs by:
  • Carrying out desk and field research duties.
  • Participating in and reporting on relevant meetings, seminars, and workshops.
  • Help with managing relationships and organising events by:
  • Identifying opportunities for collaborations.
  • Contributing to developing and maintaining a growing network of internal and external partners.
  • Contribute to project management and programme development activities by:
  • Working alongside the Programme Manager and the Research Project Managers to monitor progress on key projects.

Requirements

  • A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a discipline or field that provides suitable theoretical and empirical foundations for the use of data science and AI in policy-making
  • A background and strong interest in data science, AI, and digital technologies more broadly, and in their applications in the public sector.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A clear, insightful, and engaging writing style and a track record of writing essays, articles or blog posts
  • An ability to explain technical and methodological concepts in ways that are understandable to non-experts.
  • An ability to communicate at multiple levels and to diverse audiences
  • An ability to collaborate successfully in a multidisciplinary environment across different levels of seniority.
  • Ability to work flexibly, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines and maintaining a high standard and attention to detail.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the duties, responsibilities and person specification

Other information

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time position is offered on a fixed-term basis for a period of two years. The annual salary is £36,235 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family-friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits. Part-time applications will be considered.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. From 01 March 2022 we will trial a Hybrid Working Model for an initial six-month trial period. During this period, staff will be expected to work at our British Library office for a number of days per month, dependent on the requirements of the role. As a guide, we anticipate this will be between 2-4 days per month, but the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

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. Please make sure that you submit a CV, a covering letter which outlines how you meet the job specifications, and a sample piece of writing (your thesis, a research paper, an article, etc.). 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: Thursday 14 July 2022 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.

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.

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].