At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop AI solutions for supply chain planning and factory scheduling.
- Company: Loughborough Business School, a top-rated institution with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and access to excellent facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a project that supports SMEs in achieving Net Zero goals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and productivity in manufacturing through innovative AI technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI, machine learning, and optimisation methods is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 47389 £ per year.
Full Time and Fixed Term for 9 months (Subject to Funding)
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.
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.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Grammatoula Papaioannou at G.Papaioannou@lboro.ac.uk or Dr Kamran Ali Chatha at K.Chatha@lboro.ac.uk. For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Closing Date: 18 June 2026
Interview Date: 29 June 2026
Our 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.
- 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.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University. From £47,389. Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 7. Subject to annual pay award.
Senior Research Associate - AdvancedAIModelsandOptimisation Algorithms for Supply ChainPlanning[...] in Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough Business School is an exceptional employer, renowned for its vibrant, research-led environment that fosters academic excellence and real-world impact. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, the school offers generous benefits, including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowances, and access to outstanding facilities on its expansive campus. Employees are encouraged to grow through meaningful projects like the Smart Slots initiative, which not only advances their careers but also contributes to significant societal goals such as the UK's Net Zero 2050 commitment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate - AdvancedAIModelsandOptimisation Algorithms for Supply ChainPlanning[...] in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Loughborough Business School or the project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project details. Understand how AI and optimisation algorithms are shaping supply chain planning. Show us you’re not just interested, but passionate about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle real-world scenarios during interviews. We want to see how you think on your feet and apply your knowledge to practical challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Loughborough Business School.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate - AdvancedAIModelsandOptimisation Algorithms for Supply ChainPlanning[...] in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your experience with AI, machine learning, and optimisation algorithms, as these are key to the project. We want to see how your skills align with our goals!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past work, focus on projects that relate to supply chain planning or AI development. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact and how you’ve tackled similar challenges before. This helps us see your potential fit in our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Loughborough Business School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your AI Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in AI, especially in machine learning and generative AI. Be prepared to discuss how these technologies can be applied to supply chain planning and optimisation algorithms, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with academic colleagues and industry partners, highlight your experience in collaborative projects. Share specific examples where teamwork led to successful outcomes, demonstrating that you can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to tackle real-world problems during the interview. Think about how you would approach integrating AI models into existing software products for SMEs. Practising problem-solving scenarios related to factory planning and scheduling will help you articulate your thought process effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and its impact on SMEs. Inquire about the challenges they face in achieving Net Zero 2050 and how your role could contribute to overcoming these hurdles. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation's mission.
