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 post is funded through the UKRI AI for Science and Government programme. Across almost every sector of UK society, enhanced computing power has created need for new methods and tools to help harness the insights from the large quantities of data now available and to expand the speed and scope of what we can learn from it. The ASG programme has been established out of a shared recognition that the UK government require the transformative capacity of AI and data science to increase its efficacy if the UK is to maximise the potential of its governance and administrative systems, maintain its world-class scientific leadership, and continue its commitment to social progress for the benefit of the population. The programme was established in 2018 supported by five-years of funding totalling £38.8M. Work began on 1st November 2018. Urban analytics is an important theme in the Programme and we are seeking to appoint a Research Associate who will contribute to its economic modelling dimension – particularly developing urban input-output models.

ROLE PURPOSE

The project is looking for a research assistant/associate to develop and apply mathematical and computer modelling methods, with special reference to the economics of cities, using census and related data. The candidate may be from various backgrounds provided they have core skills in mathematics, computing and modelling. As a researcher, you will work closely with Professor Sir Alan Wilson and the Urban Analytics Programme Director, Professor Mark Birkin, and the wider inter-disciplinary team based at the Turing Institute. You will play an active part in all aspects of research from data preparation, to the development of research questions, modelling and analysis, and writing up/publication. This is a collaborative research role and so it is crucial that you enjoy working with others within an iterative research process. We hope that the appointed candidate will develop to take ownership of a key strand of work on the project, under the mentorship of the PI and Co-Is.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To build models of the economics of cities, embracing both spatial interaction and input-output modelling.
• To establish a sound research base within the Alan Turing Institute in order to pursue individual and collaborative research of outstanding quality, consistent with making a full active research contribution in line with the research strategy outlined by the PI.
• To write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media.
• To attend and present research findings and papers at academic and professional conferences, and to contribute to the external visibility of the Institute.
• To participate in and to develop internal and external partnerships, for example to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain projects/datasets, or build relationships for future activities.
• To ensure compliance with secure handling of data and health and safety in all aspects of work

• Research Associate: Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant area, which will include mathematical, computing and modelling skills or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• Research Assistant: Near competition of a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant area, which will include mathematical, computing and modelling skills or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Experience with computational processing of large data bases
• Fluency in at least one programming language (we particularly work in Python)
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
• Adapts the style of communication to the audience and ensures understanding.
• Ability to communicate complex, specialist or conceptual information clearly and persuasively, presenting compelling arguments to influence and/or negotiate satisfactory outcomes.
• Independently make decisions which are low risk and that mainly affect themselves or a small number of people and are guided by regulation and practice.

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

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This part-time post is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2023. Ideally the successful candidate will be required to be in post by 15th August 2022. The annual salary range is £38,000 - £44,000 (pro-rated for part-time hours) plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits.

Secondments of suitable staff from relevant organisations (business, universities, government or charities) are welcome.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £36,236 per annum.

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 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: Thursday 21 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].