Take a leading role in the further development and delivery of Tech in the Dock that evaluates the social benefits of emerging technologies balanced against potential risks
Leading the qualitative research for Innovation Sweet Spots that combines data science and strategic foresight.
Leading or supporting the scoping and delivery of Nesta’s exploratory inquiries (‘Discovery Dives’) into the frontiers of our missions, focusing on the impact of emerging technologies.
Supporting Nesta colleagues in other teams (e.g. Missions and Practices) to explore the future applications of emerging technologies and other trends for their work.
Publishing thought leadership content on emerging technologies and future trends, analysing the possible implications from the perspective of Nesta’s innovation Missions.
Proposing, developing and delivering articles for Nesta’s annual list of Signals which picks out the early stage trends, technologies and ideas set to shape the year to come
Generating ideas and providing advice, particularly around emerging technologies, to support Nesta’s “Distributed Discovery Programme” that supports employee innovation through residencies, sabbaticals, talks and Exploration Weeks.
Capturing learning and data to help communicate the impact of the Discovery Hub to internal and external audiences.
Playing a high profile role across a wider external network of technology, policy and horizon-scanning experts, sustaining or extending Nesta’s reputation in these circles.
Facilitating and developing an internal network across the organisation around emerging technologies.
Representing Nesta at public events, in broadcast and other media on identified areas of expertise.
Requirements :
Extensive experience authoring articles and reports with the ability to distil complex technological or scientific concepts for a generalist audience.
Strong analytical skills to engage both with complex academic literature alongside grey literature, and the ability to assess the value of both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Cutting edge knowledge of emerging technologies, particularly as they might relate to Nesta's Missions (i.e.: A Fairer Start, A Sustainable Future and A Healthy Life).
Considerable experience of research design, development and delivery, and a good foundation in quantitative research.
Professional experience working in at least one of the following types of setting: think tank, policymaking, academia, innovation agencies / funders, management consultancy and / or a research body.
Excellent attention to detail, high standards of accuracy and a good completer / finisher.
Strong prioritisation, project management and time management skills with the proven ability to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.
Graduate / postgraduate grounding in a relevant field (e.g.: technology, science, science communication, public policy etc.) or equivalent professional experience.