Open to Lancaster University academic staff from any faculty with a strong track record and demonstrable commitment to data science/AI research relevant to the Society theme.

Purpose and scope

The Society theme covers research, training, and engagement on the societal dimensions of data and AI, including (illustrative, not exhaustive):

• Governance, law, regulation and policy for data/AI;
• Ethics, fairness, safety, accountability and transparency;
• Public-sector and civic applications (health, justice, education, environment, local government);
• Social science and humanities interfaces (economics, sociology, philosophy of AI);
• Participatory/Responsible research methods and impact;
• Evaluation, assurance and standards for trustworthy AI.
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Key responsibilities

• Research leadership & community building: articulate a compelling vision; grow an interdisciplinary community across departments and external partners.
• Programme delivery: organise flagship events, seminar series, and thematic sandpits to catalyse new collaborations.
• Grant & impact pipeline: coordinate targeted bid development (e.g., UKRI/ESRC/EPSRC/Wellcome), support impact case studies and policy engagement.
• Mentoring & culture: mentor ECRs, champion ED&I, and develop opportunities for students and postdocs.
• Institute stewardship: contribute to DSI strategy and operations as part of the DSI Leadership Team.
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Time commitment and support

• Commitment: ~0.2 FTE (one day/week); flexible start, preferably no later than January 2026; three-year term subject to review, with the possibility of renewal.
• Resources: theme activity budget, administrative and communications support from DSI.
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Person specification (selection criteria)

• Vision & fit: clear, credible agenda for the Society theme and alignment with DSI strategy.
• Track record: outputs, funding, or translation/engagement relevant to data/AI & society.
• Leadership & mentoring: evidence of leading interdisciplinary activity and supporting others.
• Delivery plan: realistic milestones and measurable outcomes (events, bids, partnerships).
• Collegiality & ED&I: commitment to inclusive leadership and culture.

How to apply

Submit (i) a one-page statement outlining your vision for the theme and relevant experience and (ii) a CV. Please confirm in your statement that you have discussed the time commitment with your Head of Department/School and obtained agreement in principle.

Email applications to dsi@lancaster.ac.uk with the subject line “Society Theme Lead Application”.

Deadline

16:00 on Monday 3 November 2025.

Process & timeline

• Shortlisting: w/c 10 November 2025
• Interviews: w/c 17 November 2025
• Outcome communicated by: 22 November 2025
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Informal enquiries

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Chris Nemeth (DSI Co-Director) at c.nemeth@lancaster.ac.uk to discuss the role.

ED&I and accessibility

We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in data science and AI leadership. We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the process. If you have access requirements, please contact dsi@lancaster.ac.uk in confidence.