Director, Human-Centred AI & Behavioural Science

Government Recruitment Service; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contribution 28.97%

Annual leave 25 days + 8 bank holidays

Flexible working

Job summary

The Department for Transport seeks a visionary leader to shape responsible AI adoption across the organisation. The Head of Human Centred AI will design and oversee social, behavioural and user research programmes to guide AI strategy and evaluate impact across the department.

They will lead a high‑impact team delivering research, ethics, governance and evidence to inform decision‑making. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with AI and data science groups, HR and external

Qualifications

• Designing and leading a behavioural science, social and user research programme to support the safe and effective adoption of AI across the department.
• Leading the Evaluation programme, on the effectiveness, impact and value of AI tools using mixed-method approaches to assess impacts on quality, time-saving and user satisfaction.
• Applying research findings and insight to shape the design and delivery of AI projects, including identifying opportunities, supporting the design and evaluation of training and communication activities, and advocating for the user perspective.
• Working closely with the AI & data science teams, HR and other colleagues to inform organisational readiness for AI, aligning social and behavioural evidence with training, change management and workforce strategy.
• Developing and maintaining a knowledge base of AI-related social and behavioural research and evaluation evidence to inform ongoing decision-making.
• Acting as an ambassador for social and behavioural science and evaluation in AI across the department, government and external networks.
• Developing research collaborations within DfT, other government departments and academia.
• Building and sustaining positive relationships with senior stakeholders, demonstrating the value of user-centred and evidence-led decision-making.
• Drive standards of research quality, inclusivity and ethical practice, offering mentorship and hands-on support to ensure high performance within your team.
• Lead the Social and Behavioural Science and Evaluation for AI function in collaboration with peers across GSR and other professions to grow and embed capability and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Designing and leading a behavioural science, social and user research programme to support the safe and effective adoption of AI across the department.
• Leading the Evaluation programme, on the effectiveness, impact and value of AI tools using mixed-method approaches to assess impacts on quality, time-saving and user satisfaction.
• Applying research findings and insight to shape the design and delivery of AI projects, including identifying opportunities, supporting the design and evaluation of training and communication activities, and advocating for the user perspective.
• Working closely with the AI & data science teams, HR and other colleagues to inform organisational readiness for AI, aligning social and behavioural evidence with training, change management and workforce strategy.
• Developing and maintaining a knowledge base of AI-related social and behavioural research and evaluation evidence to inform ongoing decision-making.
• Acting as an ambassador for social and behavioural science and evaluation in AI across the department, government and external networks.
• Developing research collaborations within DfT, other government departments and academia.
• Building and sustaining positive relationships with senior stakeholders, demonstrating the value of user-centred and evidence-led decision-making.
• Drive standards of research quality, inclusivity and ethical practice, offering mentorship and hands-on support to ensure high performance within your team.
• Lead the Social and Behavioural Science and Evaluation for AI function in collaboration with peers across GSR and other professions to grow and embed capability and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Job description

The Department for Transport seeks a visionary leader to shape responsible AI adoption across the organisation. The Head of Human Centred AI will design and oversee social, behavioural and user research programmes to guide AI strategy and evaluate impact across the department.

They will lead a high‑impact team delivering research, ethics, governance and evidence to inform decision‑making. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with AI and data science groups, HR and external