Artificial Intelligence Specialist in Manufacturing Applications (Senior Research Associate)

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a lead researcher to drive AI-enabled product design, manufacturing and quality assurance within the Challenge AI programme at PrintCity. You will work with over 300 industry partners and co-ordinate cross-disciplinary activities with the Centre for Enterprise in the Business School.

The role emphasizes leadership of a research team, development of AI solutions for industry, and engagement across manufacturing and design sectors.

Qualifications

• Experience leading AI research projects or teams.
• Specialist knowledge of AI software, product design software, and additive manufacturing.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, PHP, MySQL) and API development (RESTful, GraphQL).

Responsibilities

• Lead AI research and innovation projects for product design, manufacturing and QA for Challenge AI participants.
• Utilise AI to implement solutions that boost productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with industry partners and internal teams to develop AI-driven research programmes.

Skills

AI leadership

Research management

Python programming

API development

RESTful

GraphQL

Product design software

Manufacturing processes

Robotics

MySQL

Tools

3D Scanning software

PrintCity equipment

Additive manufacturing tools

Robotics & automation

Job description

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. The programme is 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 the support and guidance that they need to make the right decisions for their business.

About the Role & Team

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 & Experiences

• Have the ability to lead the work of a research team, co-ordinating effort and resources.
• Have the ability to build relationships and establish networks with internal and external contacts. Especially SMEs and large OEMs.
• Have specialist knowledge of AI software, product design software, manufacturing processes (additive manufacturing in particular), and production operations.
• An 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
• Have Proficiency in programming languages (Python, PHP, MySQL, etc) and API development (RESTful,GraphQL, etc).

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

£41,885 to £48,337. Grade 8