KTP Associate in Birmingham

Location: Remote (with monthly travel into central London and some other travel required)

Salary: £40,000 to £43,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications, with an additional £5,000 budget for the duration of the project for professional and personal development

Contract Type: Fixed Term (30 months)

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 23 July 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: R260036

Release Date: Monday 13 July 2026

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Aston University and Modular Data Ltd will build an open-source platform that uses AI tools to predict outcomes such as reoffending rates and to improve supply chains. You will take day-to-day responsibility for developing the platform core and reusable “domain packs”, working with Modular Data’s team and Aston University academic supervisors.

What you will gain

• You will work at the forefront of applied AI, building a major open-source platform with real-world impact in criminal justice, public safety, and supply chain sectors.
• You will design, deliver and launch production-grade AI systems, guided by leading Aston University experts.
• This role provides the chance to lead technical innovation, publish joint research, and help set new industry standards in secure and ethical AI.
• You will have access to a personal development/training budget of £2,000 a year to build further skills relevant to your future career.

This KTP is a great opportunity for someone keen to plan and deliver business change. You will work with senior University academics and senior company staff on a commercial project which puts the latest research into practice.

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Prof Abdul Sadka and Dr Zhuangzhuang Dai from Aston University and the Senior Team members at Modular Data with further support from an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location and travel

You will be based predominantly remotely as Modular Data operate as a virtual company. You will be required to attend regular monthly meetings in central London (most likely Tech UK HQ) and travel for training and occasional visits to Aston University where you will have access to facilities in central Birmingham. Some travel to other sites and training may also be required.

Candidate Profile

Minimum Masters degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related subject, strong focus on AI/ Data Analytics.

What we are looking for

• Proficiency in multimodal data analytics, predictive modelling, and human-in-the-loop AI.
• Demonstrable experience with cloud platforms and microservices architecture for multi-cloud systems.
• Knowledge of, and demonstrable experience in, secure data access in complex cloud architectures, knowledge graphs and semantic reasoning.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in advanced machine learning models (e.g. deep learning) within the context of cross-modal pattern detection and predictive analytics (e.g. risk scoring).
• Programming experience in Python, Go, and/or Java, with familiarity in Scikit-image, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Feature extraction skills relevant to AI model development, RAG architectures, and Human-in-the-Loop approaches.
• Strong problem-solving ability and adaptability for complex challenges in data governance and AI safety.
• Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in academia and industry.
• Proactive approach to learning and use of professional development resources.
• Analytical thinker, able to develop and explain robust technical solutions.
• Knowledge of open-source software development and modular frameworks.
• Certification in ethical AI or cloud architecture.
• Commitment to societal impact and high standards in ethical data practices.
• PhD in relevant area.

Attributes

• Problem-solving ability and adaptability for complex challenges in data governance and AI safety.
• Communicate clearly to work across academic and industry teams.
• Analytical thinker who solves complex technical problems.
• Proactive learner who makes the most of development opportunities.
• Communicates well with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in technical writing and reporting to multiple stakeholders and audiences.

Benefits and support

• £2,000 per annum for personal and professional development for the duration of the project.
• KTP Associates lead strategic projects, bridging the academic and business worlds, which can enhance and fast-track their career.
• You will also benefit from expert coaching and mentoring.
• 60% of our KTP associates are offered employment by their host companies at the end of the KTP.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Zhuangzhuang Dai, Aston University Email: z.dai1@aston.ac.uk

Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Previous applicants need not apply.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.

It is an Innovate UK requirement that candidates hold a visa or immigration permission to cover the full duration of the contract. The successful candidate is therefore expected to apply for a visa as necessary in line with their contract duration.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk