Deputy Director - Artificial Intelligence & Data

England-Wiltshire-Swindon

Full Time Executive-level / Director Clearance required GBP 65K

UK Research and Innovation

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Posted 2 weeks ago

DEPUTY DIRECTOR - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA - (240000ZT)

Description

ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL (EPSRC)

SALARY: 65,262 Per Annum
HOURS: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
CONTRACT TYPE: Open Ended
LOCATION: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
GRADE: UKRI Band G

CLOSING DATE: 20 NOV 24

CONTEXT

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body created in April 2018 with government investment in research and innovation of over £8bn per annum. We comprise nine executive council partners (the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK, and Research England) with a shared vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

We employ over 8000 staff who support some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects. We develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world and work collaboratively with industry, academia and government in exciting partnerships. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through blue skies research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research and business-led innovation.

EPSRC is one of the nine constituent parts of UKRI.

ORGANISATIONAL POSITIONS

Two specific EPSRC Deputy Director (Band G) positions are available:

Deputy Director Science in the Research Directorate, reporting to EPSRC Executive Director for Research and working within the Senior Leadership Board (SLB).
Deputy Director Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data in the Strategy Directorate, reporting to EPSRC Executive Director for Strategy, and working within the Senior leadership Board (SLB).

Applicants are welcome to apply for either or both positions. A separate application will be required for each post which should be tailored to the specific post. In addition, EPSRC may use this exercise to meet other staffing needs, should such needs arise within a reasonable timeframe.

The roles can be full time or part time with a minimum of 0.8 FTE for part time. Job shares can also be considered which total 1 FTE.

The roles will require some attendance in person in Polaris House, Swindon and will also require some attendance in person (including occasional overnight stays) at meetings across the UK.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Deputy Director provides strategic leadership across EPSRC and the rest of UKRI in the area of AI and Data, supporting the Executive Director, Strategy working in partnership with senior stakeholders across UKRI, academia, business and Government

PURPOSE SPECIFIC TO THIS ROLE:

To work with the Executive Director of Strategy, Deputy Directors, SLB and Heads of Theme to lead UKRI’s integrated AI strategy into its next phase of development, working closely with senior external stakeholders especially at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and partner in other functions such as Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI), Research Integrity and Skills, as needed.
To take overall responsibility for EPSRC’s AI and Data priorities in research, innovation and skills working with the Heads of Themes to ensure progress on short- and long-term milestones.
To lead the management of EPSRC’s relationship with the Alan Turing Institute, working with the SRO, doing so within the context of EPSRC’s wider Institute-based activities.

PURPOSE SPECIFIC TO BOTH DD ROLES:

It is expected that Deputy Directors will be given specific responsibility for managing strategic relationships with key partner organisations in the research base, policy and user community
Deputy Directors will, from time to time, be required to take on specific projects and other representational roles.
Deputy Directors will directly line manage a number of direct reports at band F as well as provide leadership to the wider teams within their management chain and contribute organisational management.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

LEADERSHIP / TEAMWORK

Leading and collaborating with senior staff, taking a lead for AI across UKRI.
Influencing and advising senior stakeholders in Government, especially at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSIT), and Chief Scientific Advisors (CSAs).
Organisational leadership within EPSRC’s Strategic Leadership Board (SLB), working as a team across the cohort.
Direct line management of relevant Heads of Themes such as the Head of AI and Robotics (AIR), providing support and indirect management of relevant EPSRC themes.

DELIVERY / PROGRAMMES / PROJECTS / PROCESS

Oversight and delivery of the AI, Digitalisation and Data (AIDD) priority in EPSRC’s current Strategic Delivery Plan (SDP) and its evolution for the next SDP.
Connectivity and joint delivery, as needed, with the EPSRC Digital Futures SDP priority.
Partnership with UKRI functions such as Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI), Research Integrity and Skills, as needed.
Support the work of AI Resource for Research.
Strategic leadership of the portfolio of EPSRC’s AI investments
delivered against UKRI’s AI vision and strategy, working closely
with the EPSRC Head of AIR.
• Stewardship of the Alan Turing Institute, including strategic
relationship management, scrutiny of their delivery plans and
financial reporting.
• Programme Director for AI Technology Missions Fund
investments ensuring all strands of the AI TMF portfolio are
delivering their planned objectives, and developing aspirational
future plans.

OTHER

Management of strategic relationships with key partner organisations in the research base, policy and user community.
Other specific projects and representational roles as per organisational need, when they arise.
Line management of a number of direct reports at band F, expected to be up to 3 at its maximum.

OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

Experience of developing and implementing strategies and capitalising on opportunities which support the priorities within and beyond EPSRC’s delivery plan.

ANALYSIS AND USE OF EVIDENCE

Understand research and its applications, especially in engineering and physical sciences and at the interfaces with other science disciplines.
Identify and evaluate the success or otherwise of activities.

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFLUENCE

Build influential networks and communicate and engage with others effectively in a wide range of settings internally and externally.
Communicate effectively with and gain the respect of the Executive, senior academic and/or industrial scientists and engineers.

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Lead and deliver on streams of work in complex environments.
Set up and direct programmes which address EPSRC’s longer-term strategic goals and which draw support or are delivered in partnership with other parts of UKRI, government agencies, industry and other parties.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

Demonstrate good leadership and strong management and coaching skills, including working with and directing flexible and high-performing teams, as well as leading people through change.
Work across UKRI as a whole, leading or supporting specific projects and tasks, providing a role model for integrated working.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Financial management and budget control including forecasting and control budgets to allocations and an understanding of the principles of public sector finance, including the need to demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness and value for money.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

S - ASSESSED AS SHORTLISTING
I - ASSESSED AT INTERVIEW
S&I - ASSESSED AT BOTH

An understanding of the research environment and the culture and ways of working that underpin such an environment (S and I)
Knowledge of the role of research in government policy and the governance and funding of research and science in the UK (S and I)
Demonstrable evidence of delivering successful partnership arrangements, including achieving strategic alignment between organisations (S and I)
Experience of managing budgets and the exercise of financial control (S)
Demonstrating strong teamwork both as part of a senior team and also as a leader and line manager through the performance management of a high-performing team in achieving strategic and operational aims. This includes coaching and managing teams through changes (S and I)
A degree in a scientific or engineering subject (S)

APPLICATIONS

Online applications only for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter to the attachments section (ignore free textbox for cover letter under ‘Experience’ section) which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘Experience’ section of the application process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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)

Qualifications

About the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPSRC)

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPSRC) is a partner organisation within UKRI, providing essential research and skills for all sectors of the economy, and through this aims to enhance long-term societal well-being and prosperity.

EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding this research and training in engineering and the physical sciences. They invest over £850 million a year in a broad range of subjects from mathematics to materials science and from information technology to structural engineering.

For more information about EPSRC click here: https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.