Alan Turing Institute seeks Chief Scientific Officer for UK AI agenda

The UK national institute for AI and data science is recruiting a scientific leader to shape its research priorities, partnerships and national capability work.

The Alan Turing Institute is recruiting a Chief Scientific Officer to shape its AI and data science research agenda.

The Alan Turing Institute has opened recruitment for a Chief Scientific Officer to help set the UK national institute’s scientific direction at a time when artificial intelligence and data science are being tied to public services, national security, climate resilience and critical infrastructure.

The role is aimed at an internationally recognized scientist in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science or a closely related field.

George Williamson CMG, Chief Executive Officer of The Alan Turing Institute, announced the search in a LinkedIn post, describing it as “one of the most consequential scientific leadership roles in the UK right now.”

The successful candidate will join the Executive Team, work closely with Williamson, shape The Alan Turing Institute’s research agenda and convene the Scientific Advisory Board.

Applicants must be eligible for Developed Vetting clearance, known as DV clearance.

Research priorities and partnerships

The Alan Turing Institute said the Chief Scientific Officer will define and communicate its scientific vision, lead a portfolio of AI and data science research, identify emerging scientific opportunities and help build future research leaders.

Williamson wrote: “As CSO, you'll set that scientific direction. You’ll be working alongside me and the Executive Team to shape our research agenda, decide where we invest scientific effort, and convene our Scientific Advisory Board. You'll be the voice that keeps us honest about what's genuinely at the frontier, while making sure that excellence gets translated into capability that matters for the country.”

The role will also involve building partnerships across academia, government, industry and the wider research ecosystem.

The Alan Turing Institute is seeking someone with experience leading major research programs, institutes, laboratories or scientific organizations, as well as the ability to work with researchers, policymakers, funders and industry leaders.

Williamson added: “The Turing sits at the intersection of scientific discovery, national need and real-world impact. Our task is to take AI and data science from possible to proven. That means building the capability the UK can actually rely on, across critical infrastructure, defence, security, climate resilience and beyond.”

The listing said The Alan Turing Institute brings together expertise from academia, government, industry and the security community to address systems-wide resilience challenges that no single organization can solve alone.

The Chief Scientific Officer will also be expected to strengthen The Alan Turing Institute’s position as a national and international voice in AI.

Williamson conluded: “If you've ever wanted a genuine seat at the table shaping how AI serves the UK, not just researching it, but deciding where the national effort goes, this is that seat.”