Agentic AI Engineer

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Manchester seeks a Generative AI Engineer to design and implement AI agents that improve workflows and learning experiences. You will leverage tools like GPTs and Microsoft CoPilot, contributing to innovative AI solutions in a hybrid working environment. Ideal candidates are curious and willing to embrace new technologies. Excellent benefits and a commitment to diversity included.

Benefits

Market leading Pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave

Qualifications

• Curiosity and attitude towards embracing new technologies.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Willingness to explore new ideas through self-learning.

Responsibilities

• Design and build AI agents that streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
• Lead configuration and optimization of Microsoft CoPilot experiences.
• Contribute to NebulaONE for responsible AI and automation.

Skills

Hands-on technical experience with Microsoft 365 and CoPilot

Familiarity with GPTs, LangChain

Strong interest in human-centred AI

Understanding of data protection

Tools

CoPilot Studio

Power Platform

Azure

Job description

Generative AI Engineer

Manchester | Grade 6 (£36,924-£45,163) | Full-time | Hybrid working available

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

The University of Manchester is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. All appointments are made on merit.

Build the Future of AI at the University That Invented Modern Computing:

Manchester changed the world in 1948 with the first stored program computer. Alan Turing's pioneering work here laid the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence. Today, we're embracing the next wave of technological progress and we want you to help shape it.

As a Generative AI Engineer, you'll design intelligent, human-centred AI agents using tools like GPTs, Microsoft CoPilot, and LangChain to enhance how we teach, research, and operate.

From simplifying academic admin to building intelligent learning assistants, your work will shape the next generation of digital services for students, staff, and researchers across the University.

Why This Role?

Make AI Meaningful

This isn't abstract R&D. You'll be building custom agents that support real-world needs. Help researchers cure diseases faster. Help students learn better. Help staff work smarter.

Be the Bridge

You'll connect researchers, academics, students, and professional teams with cutting-edge AI in practical, ethical and creative ways, making tech human.

Tech That Excites You

You'll work with a modern, flexible stack (CoPilot Studio, OpenAI GPTs, LangChain, Azure, Power Platform) and help shape our NebulaONE platform, a homegrown initiative for ethical AI and intelligent automation.

Freedom to Experiment

We don't expect perfection - we value curiosity, agility, and a "show don't tell" approach. If you've got ideas, we'll help you test them fast and responsibly.

Part of a Bigger Vision: Manchester 2035

We're investing in a bold future - Manchester 2035 - our strategic plan to become one of the most progressive, accessible, and digitally empowered universities in the world. AI is central to that journey. This is your chance to be part of a dedicated, forward-thinking team delivering practical AI solutions right now, not years down the line.

What You'll Do

• Design and build AI agents that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve access to knowledge
• Lead the configuration and optimisation of Microsoft CoPilot experiences across M365 and Teams
• Turn complex academic and administrative needs into AI-powered solutions
• Contribute to NebulaONE, our pioneering in-house platform for responsible AI, automation, and intelligent services
• Support demos, drop-ins, and 1:1s to help colleagues confidently embrace new technology
• Ensure every AI solution is ethical, secure, and sustainable

What You'll Bring

You don't need to tick every box. We know this is a fast-moving and emerging field, and nobody has all the answers yet.

What matters most to us is your curiosity, your attitude toward embracing the new, and your willingness to explore new ideas and technologies through self-learning and more structured pathways. If you're someone who gets excited about solving problems, building things that don't exist yet, and constantly improving, we want to hear from you.

That said, we're looking for more than just experience writing prompts in ChatGPT. We're after people who are thinking beyond the surface, who understand how these technologies work, how they can be used responsibly, and how they can genuinely improve the way people learn, teach, and work.

Ideally we are looking for:

• Hands-on technical experience with Microsoft 365 and CoPilot
• Familiarity with GPTs, LangChain, Power Platform, CoPilot Studio or similar
• A strong interest in human-centred AI and how it applies to teaching, research or service
• An understanding of data protection, identity/access controls and responsible use of automation
• The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, and collaborate with a wide range of people
• Bonus: Knowledge of vector search, semantic retrieval or intelligent service platforms

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a top global university with over 45,000 users and bold digital ambitions
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive IT culture that supports continuous learning
• Shape your own path in a rapidly growing field with excellent development opportunities

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [e-mail] .

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Alex Goffe

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.