Director of Science and Innovation

Named in honour of Alan Turing, The Institute undertakes inspiring, exciting work. We need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to apply their skills to our mission to make great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) research to change the world for the better.

Please find more information about us here

BACKGROUND

Join us as we define a new era for The Alan Turing Institute. With renewed energy and focus, we will pursue our purpose to make great leaps in data science and AI in order to change the world for the better.

We have three ambitious interconnected goals:

• Advance world-class research and apply it to national and global challenges.
• Build skills for the future.
• Drive an informed public conversation.

We are taking a grand challenge-led approach to science and innovation, harnessing the power of data science and AI to make lasting impact on the following three of the world’s most pressing societal issues:

1. Defence and national security. To protect the UK, its people and the places they inhabit.
2. Environment and sustainability. To address the climate and biodiversity crisis and the need for greater sustainability.
3. Transformation of health. To transform health and enable better outcomes for all.

Our Grand Challenges provide a common focus, mandate to prioritise and inspiration for diverse communities and capabilities to come together. They are underpinned by the Institute’s capability in fundamental data science and AI research, together providing an end-to-end interdisciplinary pathway to impact at scale.  

Reporting to the Institute’s Chief Scientist, these roles will form part of the Science and Innovation leadership team and will take collective responsibility for delivering impact at scale in alignment with our vision for Turing 2.0.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are now looking for four ambitious and inspirational leaders, to drive the Institute’s Grand Challenges and our work on Fundamental data science and AI research.

We are seeking a diverse set of Directors of Science and Innovation and would be particularly interested to hear from candidates with experience and successes from outside the norms of academia and traditional research environments.

The ideal candidate will be an effective leader with the ability of taking vision into execution.

Collaborative by nature you will be delivering real-world impact in terms of science and innovation, building skills for the future and helping to drive an informed conversation around this fast-moving technology.

You will take on an enabling role, helping to make big things happen for the UK and the Turing by removing existing barriers to use data science and AI to solve some of the most pressing challenges.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Providing leadership

• Lead and motivate an agile team with responsibility for developing, dynamically communicating, and implementing action plans, that deliver against the grand challenges and associated missions in line with the Institute’s strategy.
• Lead innovative world-leading science and innovation that delivers impact nationally and internationally with and for academia, industry, the public and third sector, achieving wide-ranging public and societal benefit.

Working with stakeholders

• Develop new and nurture strategic external relationships with partner organisations in academia, industry, the public and third sector.

Developing culture

• Promote the Institute’s vision, purpose and values to colleagues and stakeholders internally and externally.
• Act as a role model, in alignment with Turing values, identifying, encouraging and developing talent and innovative ideas within the organisation.

Act as a figurehead

• Represent the Institute at the highest levels of academia, industry, the public and third sector, as well as other appropriate organisations and stakeholders.
• Be a public voice for the Institute helping to drive the conversation regarding safe, ethical and responsible development and adoption of data science and AI in industry, the public and third sector, as well as society more broadly.
• Act as an informed national voice for your specialism, working with media, events and other public platforms to drive thought leadership.

Person Specification

Essential

• Record of world-leading excellence in an academic, government and/or industrial setting, in the field of data science and/or AI
• Extensive experience in one or more strategic domain areas, including health, defence & security, environment & sustainability, data science and AI
• Proven leadership track record across research and innovation programmes either in an academic or commercial organisation
• In depth understanding of the national data science and AI landscape, in the context of either health, defence & security or environment & sustainability
• Ability to establish strategic and long-lasting relationships with national and international stakeholders and long term strategic plans
• Can translate vision into execution
• For Fundamental Data Science and AI Research only: Strong scientific track record evidenced by senior authorship of publications in prestigious international journals

Please visit our portal for a full breakdown of the Job Description.

Terms and Conditions

The roles will be appointed on a permanent basis, or alternatively could be for a minimum of a fixed term of 5 years.

In exceptional circumstances we can accommodate secondments on an interim basis before engaging in a permanent employment contract. You must be willing to commit at least 80% of your time to the Turing with a maximum of 20% of your time working on non-conflicting activities at your home organisation.

The Institute is headquartered in Kings Cross, London and so while we operate a hybrid working model you will be expected to spend time there each month to connect to your peer group and to work with teams across the Institute.  

The position offers a competitive salary with 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 these opportunities, please visit our portal (via the ‘Apply’ button above), and apply for the position more relevant to your profile.

Cezanne OnDemand | Director of Science and Innovation-Fundamental Research (intervieweb.it)

Cezanne OnDemand | Director of Science and Innovation-Grand Challenges (intervieweb.it)

You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form and include your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact recruitment@turing.ac.uk.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive.

This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at adjustments@turing.ac.uk  to find out how we can assist you.