Artificial Intelligence Specialist in Manufacturing Applications (Senior Research Associate)

The Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an AI Specialist to lead research and industry collaborations at PrintCity, our additive manufacturing facility. You will drive projects under Challenge AI, partnering with the Centre for Enterprise and our Business School to apply responsible AI solutions in manufacturing, design and production.

The role involves coordinating a research team, engaging with SMEs and OEMs, and delivering practical AI-enabled enhancements that boost productivity and

Qualifications

• Lead the work of a research team, coordinating effort and resources.
• Build relationships 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 such as Industrial 3D Scanning, robotics and automation, machine connectivity, data extraction and custom dashboards.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, PHP, MySQL, etc) and API development (RESTful, GraphQL, etc).

Responsibilities

• Leading researchandinnovation projects inAI forproduct design, manufacturing, productionand quality assurancefor companiesenrolledonto theChallenge AIprogramme.
• Utilising AI to implement solutions in organisations, toboost productivity, improveefficiencies or enhance quality control.
• Supporting colleagueswith queries related to companyrecruitment, triage, supporting ideation workshops with technicalactivities relatedtoAIindesign,manufacturingand production.
• Working with companies on the programme to develop short or long termresearchand innovationprogrammes related tothe implementation of AIsolutions, supporting skills development within companies on the programme.

Skills

AI software

Product design

Additive manufacturing

3D Scanning

Robotics

APIs

Python

PHP

MySQL

RESTful

GraphQL

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 researchandinnovation projects inAI forproduct design, manufacturing, productionand quality assurancefor companiesenrolledonto theChallenge AIprogramme.
• Utilising AI to implement solutions in organisations, toboost productivity, improveefficiencies or enhance quality control.
• Supporting colleagueswith queries related to companyrecruitment, triage, supporting ideation workshops with technicalactivities relatedtoAIindesign,manufacturingand production.
• Working with companies on the programme to develop short or long termresearchand innovationprogrammes related tothe implementation of AIsolutions, supporting skills development within companies on the programme.

Key Skills & Experiences

• Have the ability to lead the work of a research team, co-ordinatingeffortand resources.
• Have the ability to build relationships andestablishnetworks with internal and external contacts.Especially SMEs and large OEMs.
• Have specialist knowledge ofAI software, product design software,manufacturing processes(additivemanufacturingin particular), and production operations.
• An understanding of other industrial digital technologies and processesfor example: Industrial 3D Scanning, including software andworkflows; Roboticsand automation; Machine connectivity, dataextractionand custom dashboards
• Have Proficiencyin programming languages (Python, PHP, MySQL,etc) and API development (RESTful,GraphQL,etc).

Further Information

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 attached 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.

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Documents

• AMMIC_JD Artificial Intelligence Specialist (Manufacturing Applications) Challenge AI.pdf (84.83 KB)