Head of Research Partnerships and Impact - SDR UK

Hours: Full time or part time (min. 0.8FTE)

Interviews: 16^th and 17^th July 2024 

Our mission is to unlock the power of data to improve lives. 

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 Head of Research Partnerships and Impact is a key leadership role based in the SDR UK Strategic Hub. The post holder will be responsible for driving uptake and impact of smart data across our four research themes: productivity and prosperity for all; sustainability; health and well-being; and digital society. The role will also be responsible for leading development of our policy function, including legal and ethical resources to support researchers, data services, and data owners. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and leading delivery of a programme of impact-focused initiatives, demonstrating the value of smart data research across SDR UK’s research themes (includes overseeing investment of a £6m research budget)
• Developing partnerships with key stakeholders
• Leading and nurturing multi-sector partnerships and collaborations, e.g. between researchers, companies and government.
• Overseeing development and delivery of a data policy function, including scoping and securing appropriate legal and ethical resources for the programme
• Contributing to the development and delivery of strategies and activities led by other parts of the SDR UK Hub, including infrastructures, capability, and public engagement 

About you 

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about the opportunities of smart data, has experience of working with a range of stakeholders, and can translate complex ideas and opportunities into actionable projects and interventions. A background facilitating data, AI or other digital research infrastructure projects would be advantageous but is not essential. 

Shortlisting criteria 

Essential 

• Experience of stimulating and enabling impact in relation to research and/or data infrastructure projects.
• Awareness and understanding of smart data and their potential to enable research that addresses major social and economic challenges.
• Experience of building and maintaining effective, responsive working relationships and networks that deliver outcomes and value.
• Strong leadership skills, including effective delegation and a commitment to empowerment.
• Strategic thinking skills, including the ability to assess evidence and make informed recommendations about the shaping and delivery of priority activities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise and accurate presentations and written documentation for a wide range of audiences.

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