AI Innovation Lead (KTP Associate)

University of Leeds; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

BB7 Consulting Limited in Leeds offers a unique KTP Associate role embedded within the company, with access to the University of Leeds facilities and academic expertise. You will lead the development of an innovative Knowledge Management and Training platform using Explainable AI and ML to accelerate skills development and support digital transformation in fire engineering.

You will work closely with BB7 Consulting Limited, Leeds University Business School, and academic supervisors to deliver

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Analytics, Data Science, CS, Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with AI/ML and knowledge-management platforms is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of a knowledge management and training platform.
• Collaborate with BB7 Consulting Limited and Leeds University Business School.
• Bridge academic research and commercial application within a leading UK university context.

Education

Master’s or PhD in Analytics/Data Science/CS/Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Working time: 100%

Contract type: Fixed term (for 28 months to complete specific time limited work.)

You will be primarily based at BB7’s offices in Leeds, fully embedded within the company, while also benefiting from access to the University of Leeds’ facilities, resources, and academic expertise.

Do you hold a Master’s or PhD in Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline? This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of an innovative Knowledge Management and Training platform designed to enhance knowledge sharing and technical decision-making in the fire engineering industry. The project will leverage Explainable AI (XAI) and Machine Learning (ML) to accelerate skills development, improve consistency, and support digital transformation across the sector.

The University of Leeds is offering a unique opportunity to accelerate your career in industry through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). You will work in collaboration with BB7 Consulting Limited and Leeds University Business School, gaining experience at the interface of academic research and commercial application within one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.

Established in 2009, BB7 Consulting Limited is a leading consultancy specialising in Fire Engineering, Fire Safety Assurance, Fire Risk Management, and façade solutions. The company delivers a full-service approach to complex construction challenges and operates across the full RIBA lifecycle, from concept design through to building operation and maintenance. BB7 holds B Corp status and was shortlisted for Engineering Consultant of the Year at the 2025 Building Awards, reflecting its commitment to high standards and innovation.

As a KTP Associate, you will play a central role in delivering this strategically important project. Working closely with industry professionals and academic experts, you will lead the design and development of the solutions bridging knowledge gaps and embedding advanced data-driven approaches within the organisation.

What are the benefits of being a KTP Associate?

• All KTP Associates spend 10% of their time on Personal Development, making full use of a £4,667 PD budget
• Experience working at the forefront of AI application in a safety-critical engineering environment
• Hands-on exposure to the full lifecycle of an AI product
• Opportunity to contribute to academic dissemination
• Access to two residential training sessions aimed at developing project management skills
• Opportunity to gain both management and academic experience
• Potential to fast-track a career in industry
• Access to a wealth of academic resources
• Access to a Travel & Subsistence and Consumables budget
• Access to mentoring sessions through Innovate UK

To explore the post further, or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Academic Supervisor
Dr Richard Hodgett
Email:

Academic Lead
Dr Sajid Siraj
Email:

Company Supervisor
John Rigby - Director
Email:

Further details:

Candidate Brief