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.

This is an opportunity for a skilled Science Writer to join a fast-paced national institute at an exciting time in its development.

Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will be an experienced story-teller who can bring examples of the Turing’s research and activities to life through engaging case studies, thought-leadership content and blogs across a range of channels, and who can support us to create a broader narrative around the impact of what we do for a range of audiences (government, industry, public, academic). The Science Writer will often be required to work at pace with a capacity to grasp complex information and turn it into a coherent message for the Institute’s audiences.

The role-holder will work with scientists from a range of disciplines, and members of the business team, helping to turn technical content into accessible and engaging language. They will also engage with industry and government partners, capturing the impact that data science and artificial intelligence research, tools and software has had on their business.

This role requires excellent writing skills, a formidable eye for detail, strong relationship-building skills and an understanding of how to work with experts to turn complex content into accessible stories. Importantly, the role-holder will have energy and enthusiasm for the Institute’s mission and activities, have an understanding of what impact means in a research context, and the ability to detect a good story.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Defining a criteria for Institute impact stories, working with the Head of Communications and Digital Editor
• Sourcing and writing impact stories/case studies from across the Institute research landscape
• Supporting the communications team to develop an impact narrative/messages for the Institute’s research programmes
• Working with our research community to identify and deliver engaging content for the online Turing Blog
• Writing powerful and engaging thought-leadership pieces in close collaboration with senior figures across the Institute
• Leading on writing for the Institute’s annual report
• Supporting with scientific writing across the team as needed
• Writing accessible summaries of technical research papers for policy-makers or industry stakeholders, or for the Turing website as needed
• Editing articles written by internal stakeholders for use in the media, internal channels, the Turing website and marketing materials.

Essential

• Strong experience writing and editing scientific content;
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to manage own workload and use initiative;
• Confident communications skills, with the ability to influence and persuade individuals from different disciplines to tell the story of what they do;
• Strong editorial judgement and ‘eye’ for telling a story across multiple channels;
• An ability to summarise complex data and messages;
• Strong organisational ability to manage and prioritise a variety of tasks;
• Ability to problem-solve, think creatively and work collaboratively;
• An understanding of how to communicate impact in a research context and across a range of different channels;
• An understanding of how to communicate impact to researchers, funders, policy-makers and the public;
• Knowledge of or interest in the data science and AI sector.

Desirable

• Strong experience of writing in an academic environment or, and for a scientific journal (with a portfolio of recent, published stories)
• A background in journalism and proven experience working on print and digital publications
• Qualifications in journalism, editing and proof-reading

Terms & Conditions

This full-time post is offered on a permanent basis. The annual salary for this post is £35000 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

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 and contact details for your referees. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact them on 020 3862 3575 or email [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 26 July 2020

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, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments are available to support candidates through the application and interview process.

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.