At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement advanced AI solutions for supply chain planning in SMEs.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a leader in academic excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent growth opportunities and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while advancing your career in AI.
- Qualifications: Expertise in AI, machine learning, and optimisation models required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 47389 £ per year.
Position: Senior Research Associate – Advanced AI Models and Optimisation Algorithms for Supply Chain Planning and Scheduling
Department: Business School
Type: Full Time and Fixed Term for 9 months (Subject to Funding)
Salary: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 7 from £47,389
About the University: Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.
About Loughborough Business School: We are a vibrant, research-led school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, real-world impact and an inclusive, collaborative culture. It is among an elite global group of business schools to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, and was named a PRME Champion (2024–2025) for its leadership in responsible management education. The School also holds Small Business Charter accreditation and a Bronze Athena Swan Award, reflecting its commitment to entrepreneurship, equality and positive societal impact, and offers a supportive and forward-looking environment in which staff and students can thrive.
About the role: This project, Smart Slots: AI-Native Factory Scheduling for SMEs, is based at Loughborough Business School and addresses the challenge of helping manufacturers meet the UK’s Net Zero 2050 commitment while improving productivity and reducing waste. Funded by Innovate UK, the project is led by Dr Kamran Ali Chatha, Dr Grammatoula Papaioannou and Professor Jan Godsell, working in close collaboration with an industrial technology partner specialising in supply chain planning and manufacturing decision-support software, alongside a network of SME manufacturing collaborators. The project aims to develop advanced AI (machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, and agentic AI) based models and optimisation algorithms that integrate carbon and productivity objectives into factory planning and scheduling.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop, analyse, and implement AI-based solutions, analytical modelling, and optimisation methods for production and supply chain planning in SMEs.
- Integrate carbon and productivity objectives into scheduling models and software products of an industry technology partner.
- Work closely with academic colleagues and industry partners to ensure models are robust, usable, and aligned with real-world manufacturing contexts.
- Contribute to software development within the project team.
Qualifications and experience:
- Expertise in advanced AI, machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, agentic AI, and optimisation models.
- Experience in developing models for production and supply chain planning, especially in SME manufacturing contexts.
- Strong analytical and software development skills.
- Ability to collaborate with academic and industry stakeholders.
Benefits:
- Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial Wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you – through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and Wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
If this sounds like the right place and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments you’d like to request, please contact Professor Shahin Rahimifard. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job. Loughborough University is a fantastic place to work and we’re proud of our welcoming, supportive, and successful academic community.
Senior Research Associate in Loughborough employer: Karlstad University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, renowned for its vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university offers generous benefits including competitive pay, extensive holiday allowances, and access to world-class facilities, all set within a beautiful 523-acre campus. Join us in making a meaningful impact on society while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Loughborough Business School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project details. Understand how AI and optimisation models are being used in supply chain planning, so we can impress them with our knowledge!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our collaborative spirit! Be ready to discuss past experiences where we worked closely with academic or industry partners. They love a team player who can bridge gaps between theory and practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Loughborough community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your expertise in advanced AI and optimisation models, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant experience in production and supply chain planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the project and how your skills align with the goals of Smart Slots. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for the role come through.
Showcase Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with academic colleagues and industry partners, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Share examples of past projects where teamwork led to successful outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karlstad University
✨Know Your AI Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of advanced AI, machine learning, and optimisation models. Be ready to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've applied these technologies, especially in production and supply chain contexts.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with academic colleagues and industry partners, prepare examples that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Think about times when you’ve successfully worked in a team to solve complex problems.
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the Smart Slots project and its objectives related to Net Zero 2050. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to these goals will show your genuine interest and alignment with the university's mission.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the university’s vision for the future. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
