About the role

The Head of Research leads [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s multidisciplinary team of researchers. Reporting to the Director of Research, the Head of Research is responsible for scoping, selling and delivering [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s research to support the creation of an open, trustworthy data ecosystem. The Head of Research plays a key role in ensuring that research priorities at the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] are aligned with our strategy; and that they remain sustainable through fundraising and business development.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] research spans multiple sectors and stakeholders all over the world. It brings together insights and methods from multiple disciplines (e.g., computer science, AI, data science, social sciences, law, digital humanities, arts) to advance the world's understanding of how we build, assess, and use data infrastructure and technologies. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] researchers work closely with consultants, product designers, technologists, and trainers across the business to ensure research results respond to real-world concerns and achieve impact.

The Head of Research supports the Director of Research with the overall line management of the research team. Furthermore, the role leads on building an internal community of practice around research methods and toolkits, research quality assurance, research integrity, and research data management.

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing the scoping and delivery of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s research projects and research-led programmes.
• Leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver research projects, providing expertise on data and AI standards, technology, and research practices.
• Line-managing [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] researchers.
• Identifying and leading on research-focused fundraising and business development opportunities.
• Ensuring that all research and development work produced by the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is well-designed and delivered.
• Leading our internal community of practice on research methods and toolkits, research quality assurance, research integrity, and research data management.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
• Overseeing dissemination of research activities in peer-reviewed venues.
• Working closely with policy, technology, consultancy, learning, and product teams.
• Being an external ambassador for the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• A degree in a computational, AI or data subject (PhD or comparable experience preferred).
• Extensive experience in a research role in computational, AI or data field.
• Proven track record in qualitative, quantitative, and computational research methods.
• Familiarity with core/emerging data technologies (AI, privacy-enhancing tech, knowledge graphs, semantic tech, etc.).
• Deep understanding of research impact and track record of success.
• Experience in planning, scoping, conducting, analysing and communicating research.
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills.
• Experience leading and growing a team of researchers.
• Experience training or coaching others in research best practices.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects.

Desirable

• Strong record of fundraising and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working across disciplines, sectors, and countries.
• Network of collaborators from different sectors.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 5% contributory pension
• 30 days annual holiday plus bank holidays
• Life assurance cover
• Long-term disability cover
• Critical illness cover
• Flexible working
• Coaching and mentoring
• £1,250 annual professional development budget
• Team socials

How to apply

Please upload a CV and Cover Letter explaining why you are the right candidate for the role by time and date. For queries, email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. Read the privacy policy.