AI Strategy and Transformation Lead

Job Overview

Help shape how AI is governed, deployed, and trusted within one of the world’s richest health data environments. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how organisations analyse, interpret, and use information. At UK Biobank, where researchers across the world access one of the most richly characterised health datasets ever created, the opportunities and responsibilities surrounding AI are significant.

This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal moment. As AI Strategy & Transformation Lead, you’ll shape how UK Biobank approaches AI governance, policy, and transformation across the organisation and the wider research ecosystem. From enabling responsible innovation to safeguarding the future use of health data, the work in this role will have genuine long-term impact.

Basic Details

• Application Deadline: 25 May 2026
• Department: Data Policy
• Location: London
• Compensation: £70,000 - £80,000 / year

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of iterative and informed AI data governance policy, supporting the latest research while balancing new data security and management risks posed by emerging models.
• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders across the AI and health data landscape, building and delivering productive partnerships with UK Biobank collaborators to develop ambitious but responsible AI use cases.
• Monitor scientific, policy, technological, and regulatory developments in AI through horizon scanning and expert engagement to identify best practices and emerging approaches, and develop an ambitious and coherent organisational AI strategy.
• Provide expert advice on strategic, technological, and policy considerations associated with AI to support wider organisational priorities, such as philanthropic fundraising or technical procurement.

Qualifications

• Hands-on delivery experience leading AI transformation, digital change programmes, or adoption of emerging technologies in a regulated, public sector, or health environment.
• Proven experience analysing complex and competing technical, legal, and strategic factors, with the ability to interpret and apply them in policymaking and practical settings.
• Ability to engage confidently with technical and scientific specialists in areas such as data architecture, AI/ML research, cloud technologies, and digital platforms.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging and influencing multidisciplinary and senior stakeholders, including at boards and committees, through presentations, concise reports, and other appropriate styles.
• Degree or higher degree in public health, health, policy, legal, scientific, data analysis or related disciplines.

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility and hybrid working available. Located in London or Manchester.

We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best.

Benefits

• 26 Days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Birthday Leave
• USS Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Professional Subscriptions
• £500 annual training budget
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches
• Employee Discounts Portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Flu Vaccination
• Life Assurance Cover

• Hands-on delivery experience leading AI transformation, digital change programmes, or adoption of emerging technologies in a regulated, public sector, or health environment.
• Proven experience analysing complex and competing technical, legal, and strategic factors, with the ability to interpret and apply them in policymaking and practical settings.
• Ability to engage confidently with technical and scientific specialists in areas such as data architecture, AI/ML research, cloud technologies, and digital platforms.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging and influencing multidisciplinary and senior stakeholders, including at boards and committees, through presentations, concise reports, and other appropriate styles.
• Degree or higher degree in public health, health, policy, legal, scientific, data analysis or related disciplines.

• 26 Days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Birthday Leave
• USS Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Professional Subscriptions
• £500 annual training budget
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches
• Employee Discounts Portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Flu Vaccination
• Life Assurance Cover

Help shape how AI is governed, deployed, and trusted within one of the world’s richest health data environments. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how organisations analyse, interpret, and use information. At UK Biobank, where researchers across the world access one of the most richly characterised health datasets ever created, the opportunities and responsibilities surrounding AI are significant.