At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop AI solutions for supply chain planning and scheduling.
- Company: Loughborough University, a leader in education 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: Experience in AI, machine learning, and optimisation methods required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026
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 Sutton Bonington 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 allowances, 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 Sutton Bonington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Loughborough Business School on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with AI models and optimisation algorithms relevant to supply chain planning. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about the work we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with machine learning and generative AI clearly. We want to see how you can apply your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Sutton Bonington
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 for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Loughborough Business School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your AI Models
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in AI, especially machine learning and generative AI. Be prepared to discuss how these technologies can be applied to supply chain planning and scheduling, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the Smart Slots project and its objectives related to the UK's Net Zero 2050 commitment. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to reducing waste and improving productivity will impress the interviewers.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with academic colleagues and industry partners, highlight your experience in collaborative projects. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams to develop solutions that are both practical and impactful.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. This could be about the integration of AI models into software products or how the team measures success in their projects. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
