At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to innovate and digitise natural science collections using AI and robotics.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to science and sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific discovery and inspire millions about the natural world.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology leadership, AI, and multidisciplinary team management.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
This is an opportunity to lead a new national centre, as part of the DiSSCo UK programme, using AI, robotics, data and digital technologies to transform access to the UK's natural science collections. As Head of the DiSSCo UK Technical Innovation unit, (known internally as the Catalysis centre) you will establish and lead a specialist team developing new ways to digitise collections faster and turn collections data into useful tools and services for research, policy and industry. You will set the Centre's direction, build and lead a multidisciplinary technical team, and take promising ideas from early testing through to practical use. Initially, the focus will be on technologies such as AI-assisted transcription, computer vision, automated imaging and robotics to improve the speed and quality of digitisation.
Reporting to the DiSSCo UK Programme Director, and working closely with the Head of Digitisation and Head of Engineering, within the Natural History Museum's Department of Digital Data and Informatics, you will ensure new approaches can be adopted across the national programme. You will also develop partnerships with universities, government and industry, and identify opportunities for further investment and commercial development. This is a fixed term role until 31 March 2029.
About you
You will be an experienced technology, innovation or digital leader who has successfully turned new technologies into practical products, services or ways of working. Your background might be in AI, data, research infrastructure, digital transformation or a technology business. You will have strong technical understanding in one or more areas such as AI and machine learning, robotics, automation, data engineering or digital platforms, together with experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex programmes. You will be a collaborative leader who can work across organisational boundaries, build strong partnerships and explain complex technical ideas clearly. You should also be comfortable getting close to the technical work when needed. Experience of developing partnerships, attracting investment or turning technology and research into sustainable services would be an advantage. Above all, you will be motivated by using technology to accelerate scientific discovery and increase the value and use of the UK's natural science collections.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum's values and forms the framework for the way we work. Find out more on our website.
What we offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
- Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
Closing date: 23:59 on 14 October. Interviews expected: w/c 26 October. Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
DiSSCo UK Head of the Technical Innovation Centre employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of biodiversity research while contributing to meaningful projects that impact global conservation efforts. With a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth, employees benefit from access to world-class resources and the chance to engage with leading scientists and international partners. The museum's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DiSSCo UK Head of the Technical Innovation Centre
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Natural History Museum!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Natural History Museum, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Natural History Museum.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace DiSSCo UK Head of the Technical Innovation Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Natural History Museum, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Natural History Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
