Head of Research

The Head of Research leads ODI’s multidisciplinary team of researchers.

Reporting to the Director of Research, the Head of Research is responsible for scoping, selling and delivering ODI’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 ODI are aligned with our strategy; and that they remain sustainable through fundraising and business development.

ODI 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. ODI 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.

The Head of Research role has specific responsibilities, as well as more general responsibilities as a senior member of the team and line manager.

Overseeing the scoping and delivery of the ODI’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 ODI researchers.

Identifying and leading on research-focused fundraising and business development opportunities from a range of public, commercial, and philanthropic sources.

Ensuring that all research and development work produced by the ODI is well-designed and delivered, including supporting and holding to account the R&D team and associates in their delivery of work.

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 people and organisations who are undertaking research that supports the design and delivery of open, trustworthy data ecosystems, including public and private sector organisations, academic institutions as well as community-driven actors, nationally, across Europe and internationally.

Overseeing the dissemination of research activities and results in research venues, including peer-reviewed conferences and journals in the pertinent disciplines.

Working closely with the policy team to ensure ODI's research priorities remain policy-relevant and that policy work is informed with the latest findings of ODI research.

Working with the technology, consultancy, learning, and product teams to support the development of ODI products and services based on or informed by research activities.

Being an external ambassador for the ODI on research and technology-related topics, representing the team at client meetings, conferences and other events - both domestically and internationally.

Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and Board on research matters.

Exercising financial and contractual responsibilities and compliance controls.

Representing the ODI to external stakeholders and clients.

Developing the sustainability of the organisation e.g., through developing leads, designing projects and programmes of work, core funding, financial management, restructuring, and negotiating to bring in work to the ODI.

Supporting and holding to account the whole ODI team in their work and conduct.

Supporting the whole ODI team pastorally and in their professional development.

Providing pastoral care for the line reports through regular…