Research Associate in AI and the Environment (Fixed term)

Bath Spa University; Bath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Bath is seeking a Research Associate in AI and the Environment to join a project focusing on sustainable AI futures. The role involves research, publication of findings, and collaboration across sectors. Candidates should possess a PhD and relevant research experience. This position offers a competitive salary and various staff benefits.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced paid leave

Family friendly policies

Employee Assistance Programme

Transport schemes

Discounts and financial benefits

Qualifications

• Research experience in environmental sustainability or climate change.
• Experience in AI policy, ethics, or governance.
• Strong outputs like publications or policy papers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on responsible AI and environmental sustainability.
• Co-author academic publications and reports.
• Build a community of practice through workshops.

Skills

Analytic skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Proactive attitude

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Research Associate in AI and the Environment (Fixed term)

Application Deadline: 13 August 2025

Department: School of Writing Publishing & Humanities

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Bath, Somerset - Newton Park

Compensation: Grade Ac2- starting from GBP 38,249 - rising to GBP 42,882 per annum

Description

We are seeking a Research Associate in AI and the Environment to join the AHRC BRAID project Sustainable AI Futures. This role offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research, influence policy and practice, and collaborate with academic and industry partners to build more sustainable AI futures. (This is a full-time, 30-month fixed term contract).

About the Role

Within the role you will explore the intersection of responsible AI and environmental sustainability. You will conduct cutting-edge research through literature reviews and expert interviews, co-author academic publications, toolkits, and policy papers, and track global AI governance standards (ISO, ITU, IEEE) to ensure our work remains relevant and impactful.

You'll also help build a thriving community of practice, contributing to workshops, symposia, and other high-profile activities that shape the future of AI and the environment.

About You

• Completed PhD in a relevant discipline
• Research experience in at least one relevant domain, specifically:

a) environmental sustainability and/or climate change

b) Artificial Intelligence (e.g. AI policy, AI ethics, responsible AI, or critical AI studies)

c) policy and governance, particularly relating to science, technology, or the environment

• Strong analytic and communication skills, with evidence of producing high-quality outputs (e.g. publications, toolkits, standards, policy papers, reports)
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, which could be evidenced through activities such as conducting interviews or fieldwork, building relationships with stakeholders, helping to cultivate a community of practice, conducting campaigns or driving change, or in other ways
• Independent and proactive, capable of working flexibly individually and as part of a team
• Experience engaging with legislation, policy, technical standards, or governance frameworks, including any work related to responsible AI (e.g. ISO, IEEE, OECD, BSI, or internal industry frameworks)
• Experience of working with partners from outside academia (e.g. industry, NGOs, policymakers, cultural or creative organisations), and/or delivering impact outside academia
• Research experience in more than one relevant domain (see point 2 under 'essential' criteria)

For further information on the essential and desirable skills we're looking for, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Additional Information

Salary: Grade Ac2, starting from GBP 38,249 rising to GBP 42,882 per annumThe salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances.This is a 30 month, fixed term contract.

Depending upon the research project this role may be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Staff Benefits
We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including

• Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post-retirement
• Enhanced paid leave - 41 - 46 days depending on the role (Full Time) - more details here: https://apphub.bathspa.ac.uk/StaffBenefits
• Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery, and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling
• Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work
• Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through and easy-to-use app

For further details about all our staff benefits, have a look at our rewards page: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/work-at-bath-spa/rewards-and-benefits/

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.