Chief Scientist

Job Description

Nesta is looking for a Chief Scientist to join our executive team, lead our innovation practices, and help address some of societys most pressing challenges through innovation.About NestaOur vision is that by 2030, Nesta will have improved the lives of millions of people by designing, testing and scaling new solutions to societys biggest challenges.We have chosen to focus on three guiding missions - equalising life chances, building healthier lives, and supporting a sustainable economic recovery. In each of these areas, we will partner with frontline organisations to generate and rigorously evaluate new interventions, and support their widespread adoption. We will support the creation of new products and ventures, and shape the system as a whole to support innovation.Working with a range of delivery partners, we will deploy multi-disciplinary teams that bring together capabilities in design, data science, behavioural insights, and experimental research. We believe that by bringing together innovation methods to design, experiment, rigorously evaluate, and scale innovations, we can be a world leader in driving innovation for social good.About this opportunityAs Chief Scientist, you will focus on building and combining world-class innovation practices within Nesta to achieve measurable change in peoples lives. You will oversee teams of data scientists, researchers, and designers to develop and apply their methodological expertise. You will also be expected to: Champion an organisational culture of exploration, learning, development, and rigour Clearly communicate and mobilise staff around Nestas vision and direction Support the development and delivery of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals Contribute at all board meetings and represent Nesta in external fora Proactively identify research grants and design, staff, run and publish researchWhat we are looking forYou are curious about new methods, open to contributions and ideas from all sources, and keen to push the pace and scale of our impact. You have experience in a senior leadership role, with responsibility for decisions affecting organisational impact, profitability, partnerships, and staffing.You have a proven record leading multidisciplinary teams, including leading the design and prototyping of solutions, and using experimental and quasi-experimental research methods. You have a recognised academic contribution in a relevant field, and are able to translate research findings into applied insights.Closing date: 15 Mar 2021 at 8am.We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results. We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that successful candidates may need.