Aston AI Fellow (Aston Digital Futures Institute)

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Birmingham is seeking passionate postdoctoral researchers specializing in AI. The role offers opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research, leading projects in various AI focus areas. The position includes excellent training, a generous leave scheme, and a vibrant campus life. Candidates must hold a PhD and have a strong research track record.

Benefits

30 days bookable leave

Further 13 days bank holidays

On-site gym and pool access

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong research track record relative to career stage.
• Reputation for internationally excellent or world-leading research.
• Potential to provide leadership within the research group.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in AI and demonstrate a track record of achievements.
• Develop innovative research projects and foster collaboration.
• Represent research at national and international levels.

Skills

Generative AI with enhanced cognitive/reasoning capability

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

eXplainable AI (XAI)

Agentic AI and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS)

Adversarial AI for detection of misinformation

Education

PhD

Job description

Overview

At Aston University, we’re investing in the future of research. If you’re a postdoctoral researcher with passion and commitment, with an outstanding future, contributing to benefits for society, business and industry, and the wider world, this opportunity is for you. If you’re ready to shape the next breakthrough in your discipline, we want to hear from you.

As part of our commitment to AI research, aligned with our Aston 2030 Strategy, we are investing in four new postdoctoral posts in our areas of research strength in AI as follows:

• 1 post will work with our School of Computing and Digital Technologies within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• 2 posts will work with The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (SPR-DFI)
• 1 post will work with Aston Business School

For the SPR-DFI positions, the postholder(s) will be expected to conduct research – and demonstrate a track record of research achievements - in at least one of the following AI research focus areas:

Position 1

• Generative AI with enhanced cognitive/reasoning capability
• Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
• eXplainable AI (XAI)
• Agentic AI and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS)
• Adversarial AI for the detection of misinformation/disinformation (e.g. deepfakes)

Aston AI Fellowships will make a key contribution in delivering Aston’s commitment to excellent, transformative research outlined in our 2030 strategy, by recruiting and nurturing the research innovation and change-makers of tomorrow. Fellowships will provide successful candidates with the opportunity to excel as an excellent self-directed researcher, develop innovative and distinctive research projects, foster collaboration within their research teams and across the institution, and establish themselves as a respected figure in their fields.

Up to four Aston AI Fellowships are offered at either Grade 8 or Grade 9, depending on experience and track record. This is an exciting opportunity to build your research profile and establish your autonomy as part of an internationally respected research team.

The posts are available for a fixed term of 3 years.

Successful Fellows will be recruited on the basis of:

• excellence as appropriate to supporting Aston’s aim to be at the forefront of research in science, technology, and enterprise
• alignment with our areas of excellence in AI as outlined above
• potential to deliver research of world-leading quality consistent with Aston’s goals for REF2029.

To apply for the role, you must hold a PhD by the closing date. You should demonstrate a strong research track record relative to your career stage and discipline. You are expected to have a reputation for internationally excellent or world-leading research, appropriate to your career stage, and show the potential to provide leadership within your research group and contribute across the institution. You should also have the drive to represent your research at national and international levels.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found on the university website.