Artificial Intelligence Specialist in Manufacturing Applications (Senior Research Associate)

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is one of the UK's largest providers of science, engineering and technology education, combining world-leading research with innovative teaching and strong industry engagement. Our academics work across disciplines to address emerging global challenges while equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

About the School

The School of Engineering and Environment brings together expertise across a broad range of engineering and environmental disciplines, delivering high-quality education, impactful research and strong industrial engagement. Engineering at our University ranked 6th in the UK in the last REF for the impact of our research. We have real strengths in advanced materials and manufacturing in the school through our additive manufacturing facility PrintCity and our surface engineering group.

About the Project

The University was recently successful in securing funding to deliver the Challenge AI programme, funded by the Local Innovation Partnership Fund. ChallengeAI connects businesses with universities, researchers and industry experts through funded pathways designed to support the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will give businesses the opportunity to explore how AI could have a real impact on their business and ensure that they have the support and guidance needed to make the right decisions.

About the Role

In this role you will be based at PrintCity, our award-winning additive manufacturing facility. PrintCity has over 100 additive manufacturing machines and a wide range of scanning equipment. Over £3.5M has been invested in state-of-the-art equipment and you will join a team that has worked with over 300 industry partners in the last 5 years.

You will be the lead in PrintCity for the Challenge AI project and will work closely with colleagues in the Centre for Enterprise in our Business School on projects with industry focused on the responsible adoption of AI solutions for companies involved in manufacturing, production and design.

Key Responsibilities

- Leading research and innovation projects in AI for product design, manufacturing, production and quality assurance for companies enrolled onto the Challenge AI programme.
- Utilising AI to implement solutions in organisations, to boost productivity, improve efficiencies or enhance quality control.
- Supporting colleagues with queries related to company recruitment, triage, supporting ideation workshops with technical activities related to AI in design, manufacturing and production.
- Working with companies on the programme to develop short or long term research and innovation programmes related to the implementation of AI solutions, supporting skills development within companies on the programme.

Key Skills and Experience

- Ability to lead the work of a research team, co-ordinating effort and resources.
- Ability to build relationships and establish networks with internal and external contacts, especially SMEs and large OEMs.
- Specialist knowledge of AI software, product design software, manufacturing processes (additive manufacturing in particular), and production operations.
- Understanding of other industrial digital technologies and processes, for example: Industrial 3D Scanning including software and workflows; Robotics and automation; Machine connectivity, data extraction and custom dashboards.
- Proficiency in programming languages (Python, PHP, MySQL, etc.) and API development (RESTful, GraphQL, etc.).

Benefits

- 35 days leave plus Christmas closure and bank holidays
- Travel loan
- Wellbeing platform
- Life insurance
- Access to campus facilities
- Enhanced parental leave
- High-quality guaranteed pension