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

Recent advancements in AI and data-driven methods and digital technologies more broadly give rise to a diverse range of questions for regulatory agencies. These include questions about the risks associated with the use of AI by regulated entities and possible regulatory interventions to address such risks (‘Regulation of AI’) as well as questions about how AI can help regulators in performing their role more effectively and efficiently (‘AI for Regulation’).

The Public Policy programme is looking to recruit a Research Associate for work in this multi-faceted area. The successful candidate will report to the Policy Theme Lead and contribute to the programme’s activities on AI and regulation across different regulatory domains. Depending on background, the post-holder’s work may focus on ‘Regulation of AI’, ‘AI for Regulation’, or both.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Work with the Public Policy programme’s Policy Theme Lead and other programme members to deliver the programme’s work on AI and regulation by conducting research, producing publications for academic and non-academic audiences, developing tools, and providing advice to regulatory bodies across various possible areas:
• Regulation of AI: monitoring and horizon scanning of relevant legislative and regulatory developments, analysing AI-related risks and regulatory gaps, identifying and assessing regulatory solutions, developing policy recommendations.
• AI for Regulation: exploring and pursuing the development of data-driven tools and solutions that address analytical and operational needs faced by regulatory bodies across different domains of regulation, including identification of relevant use cases, solution design, feasibility assessments, and proofs of concept.
• Contribute to building and managing relationships with regulators and policymakers and carrying out stakeholder engagement activities.
• Carry out knowledge exchange and impact-oriented activities.
• Present work and represent the research team at internal and external events.
• Identify and pursue strategies for amplifying the reach and impact of work among national and international audiences, including through organising online and offline events.
• Work with the Turing’s communications team to ensure that work is effectively promoted in mainstream media.

Essential

• A PhD or an equivalent level of professional experience in a field that provides suitable foundations for work in the areas of Regulation of AI and/or AI for Regulation, as described above.
• A solid general understanding of practices and processes related to the design, development, and use of solutions and systems that rely on machine learning
• A great interest in the work of regulators and knowledge of the regulatory and policymaking landscape in the UK
• For 'Regulation of AI': A reliable understanding of the current literature on ethical and regulatory considerations related to the design, development, and use of AI systems
• For 'Regulation of AI': A reliable understanding of existing and emerging legal and regulatory frameworks and requirements with relevance to AI technologies at the national and international level
• For 'AI for Regulation': Reliable technical skills in machine learning and/or other fields that are relevant to the development of data-driven solutions to analytical and operational needs faced by regulatory bodies
• Ability to communicate research and advocacy clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate successfully in a multidisciplinary environment across different levels of seniority.

Desirable

• For 'AI for Regulation': Experience with the implementation of digital transformation processes in organisations.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the 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 that outlines how you meet the job specifications; plus a list of publications as well as a sample piece of writing (a journal article, conference proceeding, book chapter, or equivalent). 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].

In the event of increased interest and receiving a high volume of applicants for this role, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early or to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.

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 FOR APPLICATIONS: Wednesday 27 October 2021 at 23:59.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years. The annual salary is £37,000-£42,000 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].