The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence whose mission is to make great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence research in order to change the world for the better.

The Institute has cross-disciplinarity at its core; we bring researchers in mathematics and theoretical computer science, statistics and machine learning, algorithms for data analytics and distributed computing, computational social science and data ethics, software engineers and industry partners, to work together in an open and collaborative environment with a shared goal to generate world-class research in data science and artificial intelligence.

The Institute is motivated by driving impact, both through theoretical development and application to real-world problems. We have identified a growing number of priority domains to focus our translational research which include: data-centric engineering; defence and security; urban analytics; computing technology; financial services; and health, with artificial intelligence informing work across the Institute. We have attracted strategic partnerships with a broad range of data science users including the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Accenture, the UK Government Defence and Security and HSBC. We have also announced a number of project collaborations with businesses, government departments and charities.

We invite you to join us as we grow our capability, supporting our goal to develop the next generation of data science and artificial intelligence, shape the public conversation, and push the boundaries of this new science for the public good.

The Partnership

The Alan Turing Institute and the defence and security elements of UK Government have formed a long-term strategic partnership to help position the Institute as world leader in data science research and innovation. The UK Government will contribute to and benefit from that position – the Institute’s data science research and training are key enablers to the UK Government’s capabilities underpinning defence and security. The UK Government will also uplift its data science expertise, as a result of an open-door approach to the Institute and strong collaboration at staff level, thus ensuring free flow of skills and knowledge. Researchers from the Institute, the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) – including the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Joint Forces Command (JFC) within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will work together on a research programme alongside the wider academic community. Current research directions include understanding data, global good, decision support, and cyber, privacy, trust & identity.

Role Purpose

In anticipation of the recruitment to the Institute of a Chief Scientist, the Programme Director (Defence and Security) will report directly to the Institute Director. Working with the Deputy Programme Director (Defence and Security) this role is critical in the development of a vibrant research and training programme that delivers scientific, operational and societal impact. 

Duties and areas of responsibility

• To take responsibility for the refresh and delivery of the strategy for the Institute’s Defence and Security Programme.
• To disseminate partnership and research programme findings at industry, academic and practitioner conferences and meetings.
• To work with Institute and UK Government colleagues to maximise opportunities for translation and exploitation of the algorithms, software, methods and tools developed through the programme.
• To work with the Programme Management team to oversee the management of the Programme.
• To maintain and grow the relationship with the current and prospective Programme funders.
• Act as a key public face of the Institute, promoting its research nationally and internationally and ensuring that it is recognised as the UK’s national centre for data science and AI.
• Encourage the Institute’s and the UK’s wider researcher community to work together to make a global impact and engage with wider academic and industrial research sectors.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a self motivated, impact driven individual, who is a credible spokesperson for media and other stakeholders on scientific issues. You will have experience of providing leadership and working collaboratively across a breadth of stakeholders. Your background could be academia, industry or government. If you have an academic background you will likely have a track record of securing research funding. You will have a strong understanding of research in data science and AI and you will likely have a good understanding of the UK higher education sector.

Essential:

• Proven experience of providing leadership in a senior capacity, ideally in a research environment, be that an academic or commercial arena.
• An understanding of the defence and/or national security landscape.
• Demonstrable ability to build and develop effective working relationships with partner organisations (academia, commercial, public and third sectors), and working with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Ability to support with high risk strategic decisions with long term implications for the whole organisation.
• A current DV clearance is required for this role 

Desirable

• We would be interested to hear from candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit and a flair for spotting, creating and seizing opportunities

Please see Job Description for more details.

Terms and Conditions

This post is offered on a full time permanent basis. The salary on offer is competitive with excellent benefits package, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

External secondments are welcome, please review the JD for more information.

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 3862 3575 or 0203 862 3340 mentioning that you have seen the role on SecurityClearedJobs.com.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 11 July 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. 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.