Purpose and responsibilities of the post
We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead, in this instance, the second phase of the DARE-UK programme. As well as the key role of furthering support for the development of a national federated digital infrastructure, and, working with Trusted Research Environments (TREs) across the UK, this role will deliver, as part of the Phase 2 Programme three key work programmes:
- Transformational Programmes: Building new capabilities to support sensitive data research across the UK, supporting the testing and adoption of these capabilities, and demonstrating real-world scientific impact using these capabilities. These capabilities include support for federated projects, AI training, standardisation and interoperability.
- Next-Generation Proof of Concepts: Developing prototypes of next-generation capabilities needed to enable future innovative sensitive data research.
- Community Building, Engagement and Standards: Supporting a vibrant community of researchers, information governance professionals, computer scientists, technologists, public involvement and engagement practitioners, and software engineers. Through collaboration, the programme will promote information sharing and consensus building around common standards and good practice.
The DARE UK programme will also continue to be underpinned by public involvement and engagement (PIE) across all work programmes.
The Programme Director will lead a core team and report to the DARE UK Programme Board. They will be supported in their role by HDR UK and ADR UK, including respective partner organisations, to access wider expertise that can inform sustainability planning for continued investment and progress in this critical national research infrastructure domain.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Requirements
- The ability to lead, persuade and inspire a new team and a complex network of stakeholders around a common vision. Including engaging with a very wide stakeholder group to identify opportunities for expansion of DARE UK across the UKRI remit.
- Proven capability to develop and implement new programmes within an organisation at pace and on a significant scale.
- Experience in the delivery of complex, large-scale, user-focused data products, resources and services; with good understanding of ethical and public trust dimensions.
- Good understanding and experience of data infrastructures for research (including security, privacy, cybersecurity, storage, analytics, standards).
- Experience of operating with Executives and Boards and senior external stakeholders including academic, industry, senior policy and ministerial stakeholders.
- Effective leader and manager of teams of professionals and functional leads, leading others using a coaching, supportive, and visionary style.
- Experience working with cross functional teams and with many delivery partners, particularly, demonstrating an ability to build a strong relationship and credibility with Technology, Engineering and Science teams in industry, NHS, academia, charities and government.
- Skilled in producing very high quality and insightful written outputs.
- Emotional intelligence, political awareness and the ability to quickly adapt to – and embrace – the values and cultures of different stakeholder organisations.
- Commitment to HDR UK’s values – Transparency, Optimism, Respect, Courage and Humility.
Please note, as we are a UK-based organisation, applicants must be living in, and eligible to work in, the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
We politely request no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
