At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop advanced AI models and optimisation algorithms for supply chain planning.
- Company: Join Loughborough Business School, a leader in responsible management education.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, competitive pay, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry partners and thrive in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while advancing your career in AI.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI, machine learning, and software development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026
Advanced AI Models and Optimisation Algorithms for Supply Chain Planning and Scheduling
Business School Full Time and Fixed Term for 9 months (Subject to Funding)
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 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.
Here's more about the role and what we're looking for:
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. The post holder will be an integral member of the project team, contributing to developing AI based solutions, analytical modelling, and optimisation methods, and software development, while working closely with academic colleagues and industry partners to ensure practical relevance and impact for SMEs.
The post holder will develop, analyse and implement solutions, using machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, and agentic AI and optimisation models for production and supply chain planning in SMEs, with a particular focus on their integration into the software products of an industry technology partner. They will work closely with academic and industry collaborators to ensure models are robust, usable and aligned with real-world manufacturing contexts.
If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We'd love to hear from you. Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Grammatoula Papaioannou or Dr Kamran Ali Chatha.
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Application Process
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. 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.
Closing Date: 18 June 2026
Interview Date: 29 June 2026
Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
- 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.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Senior Research Associate in East Leake employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university provides generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and access to world-class facilities on its beautiful campus. The opportunity to contribute to impactful research projects, such as those aimed at achieving Net Zero 2050, makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about making a difference in society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in East Leake
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Loughborough Business School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the project and its goals. Show us that you understand how your skills in AI and optimisation can contribute to the Smart Slots project. Tailor your examples to highlight relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making it easier for us to see how you'd fit into our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in East Leake
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Research Associate. We want to see how you can contribute to our project on AI-native factory scheduling!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for AI and supply chain optimisation shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the industry and contributing to our Net Zero goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to read what you’ve got to offer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your AI Models
Make sure you brush up on the advanced AI models and optimisation algorithms relevant to supply chain planning. Be ready to discuss how these technologies can be applied in real-world scenarios, especially in the context of SMEs and their productivity challenges.
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the Smart Slots project and its objectives related to the UK’s Net Zero 2050 commitment. Show your enthusiasm for contributing to sustainability in manufacturing and be prepared to share ideas on how to integrate carbon and productivity objectives into factory planning.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working in collaborative environments, especially with academic and industry partners. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in teams, as this role will require close collaboration with various stakeholders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the project. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the specific challenges the team faces or how success is measured in the project.
