Senior Data Policy Manager

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term (March 2029)

HOURS: Full-Time / Part-Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)

ABOUT SMART DATA RESEARCH UK  

Our mission is to unlock the power of data to improve lives. www.sdruk.ukri.org

Smart data is made whenever we engage with the digital world. When we buy something, ‘like’ something, or get directions. If used for scientific research smart data can change our world. It can help us to understand important social challenges – from disease prevention to climate change.  

Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) is the UK’s national programme for smart data research. We’re investing £59.3m in an ambitious programme to provide researchers with safe and trustworthy access to smart data. We’ll safeguard public trust in how data are used, build capability for cutting-edge data-driven research, and support research that addresses important social and economic challenges.  

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Data Policy Manager (Legal and Responsible Research) will lead on developing and managing resources for legal and responsible practice across SDR UK. They also play a key role in promoting responsible research practices within the ESRC. 

The post holder will enable SDR UK to identify, discuss and resolve emerging questions regarding public trust, transparency and legal compliance, to ensure sound expert advice informs the development of SDR UK. 

This position plays a critical role in guiding compliance within SDR UK and contributing to informed decision-making and effective legal practice. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead on providing clarity on emerging legal and responsible research issues through the development of practical guidance, tools, position statements, and other resources. 
• Demonstrate and communicate the impact of legal and responsible research practices via writing blogs and other public facing content.
• Track new legal or trust issues in smart-data research. Turn those issues into clear, practical guidance, tools, and position statements.
• Where necessary, procuring and managing timely legal advice. 

SHORTLISTING CRITERIA 

• Understanding of the existing and emerging legal and ethical issues related to the UK’s data and/or tech landscape, or the demonstrable ability to develop knowledge quickly in a specialist area
• Significant experience of building effective working relationships with both internal and external collaborators (such as senior academics, policy makers, lawyers, practitioners, or business partners) at varying seniority levels to build a common consensus and agree a position on a specific topic or issue
• Excellent written communication skills (both written and oral) with the ability to produce clear, concise and accurate presentations and written documentation on complex issues

INCENTIVES

DEVELOPING TALENT:

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.

BENEFITS:

• UKRI can offer the successful candidate:
• Flexible Working
• 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
• Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
• Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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