Senior Research Facilitator
The Alan Turing Institute (the Institute) is the national centre for data science, established in 2015 with the mission to make great leaps in transformational data science research that will have positive real-world impacts.
The Institute has cross-disciplinarity at its core; we bring researchers in mathematics and theoretical computer science, statistics and machine learning, algorithm for data analytics and distributed computing, computational social science and data ethics, and industry partners, to work together in an open and collaborative environment with a shared goal to generate world-class research in data science.
Our researchers are motivated by driving impact, both through theoretical development and application to real-world problems. In our first year we have identified six priority sectors to focus our translational research: Data-Centric Engineering; Defence and Security; Smart Cities; Culture and Media; Financial Services; and Health and Wellbeing.
We have attracted strategic partnerships with a broad range of users of data science including the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Intel, GCHQ and HSBC. We are looking to develop partnerships with government departments and have recently announced a collaboration with the Office of National Statistics.
We invite you to join us as we grow our research community, supporting our goal to develop the next generation of data science leaders, shape the public conversation, and push the boundaries of this new science for the public good.
THE ROLE
The Senior Research Facilitator (SRF) will support the Research Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Programme Committee in driving the Institute’s research activity. The post holder will apply their knowledge of research and understanding of an academic environment to stimulate and support the development of research collaborations in data science both within the Institute and beyond.
As the research activity across the Institute increases, the postholder will have the opportunity to further define what research support and facilitation should look like.
The successful candidate will ideally have experience in a similar role and will be expected to spend a significant part of their time working with the research community, both in the headquarters in London and in the wider network of partners. The SRF will be a member of and work closely with the Institute’s business team.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities may evolve and change as the research activity across the Institute expands but will initially include:
•Working with the Research Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Programme Committee to drive the Institute’s research programmes and strategy.
•Understanding the scope of research interests and expertise across the Institute and communicate this information effectively, for example briefing notes and website information.
•Leading and manage the Institute’s internal funding award programme.
•Supportingresearchersto develop proposals for internal and external funding opportunities aligned with the Institute’s strategic aims.
•Working with the Director of Partnerships to support the development of new partnerships.
•Working with the Research Director to manage the Institute’s Interest Groups.
•Monitoring the progress of research projects and programmes, preparing reports as appropriate.
•Supporting researcher-led activities, for example workshops.
•Coordinating the annual Scientific Advisory Board meeting, including the preparation of supporting documentation.
•Supporting the preparation of research documentation for Institute reviews.
•Preparing responses to scientific inquiries and consultations.
•Managing other projects or activities as required by the Institute’s Executive or other members of senior management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
ESSENTIAL
- Education to degree level, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant scientific or technological discipline or equivalent work experience.
- Previous experience in a similar role.
- Ability to develop and manage effective relationships with researchers at all levels of seniority and with external agencies.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and flexibility to manage competing demands and pressures whilst remaining calm.
- Exceptional project management and organisational skills combined with a strong attention to detail.
- Experience and knowledge of the major national and international research funding agencies, their policies, strategies, priorities and processes.
- Experience in grant writing, monitoring and evaluating proposals.
- Diplomatic, able to negotiate and to apply judgement in often complex areas.
- Willingness to travel as necessary and to work evening and weekend hours as required.
DESIRABLE
- A higher-level degree in science, technology or business.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV, with contact details for your referees and a covering letter that outlines how you meet the person specification above to . If you have questions or would like to discuss the role further with a member of the Institute’s HR Team, please contact them on 0203 862 3322 or email .
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 21st July 2017
Diversity and equality are promoted in all aspects of the recruitment and career management of our researchers. In keeping with the principles of the Institute, we especially encourage applications from female researchers.
Please note all offers of employment are subject tocontinuous eligibility to work in the UKand satisfactorypre-employmentsecurity screening which includes a DBS Check.
Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from .