At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on AI adoption and its effects on productivity in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Productivity Institute at the University of Manchester, a hub for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and engage in a vibrant academic community focused on challenging ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding AI's role in transforming organisations and enhancing productivity.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Senior Research Fellow – AI Adoption and Productivity. The Productivity Institute (TPI) is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to undertake analysis on the impact of this implementation on institutional productivity. The Research Fellow will support an independent academic evaluation covering three distinct user populations — professional services staff, academics and researchers, and students — and will help design the framework and baseline evidence that underpin a multi-year research programme on AI adoption at the University of Manchester.
You will be responsible for:
- Design and deliver mixed-method research on the adoption and impact of AI tools in a large complex organisation, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.
- Conduct both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Develop articles, blog posts and executive summaries based on the literature reviews and relevant data analysis.
- Coordinate the data audit and the administration of baseline and follow-up surveys across staff and student populations, working with IT, HR and faculty contacts to assemble the necessary data.
- Support research-ethics, data-governance and information-security approvals required by the programme, and engage with internal University stakeholders (IT, HR, Teaching & Learning, faculties) and external partners.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- PhD degree or equivalent within a relevant subject area, e.g. economics, management, applied data sciences or innovation studies.
- Knowledge of, and interest in, the role of AI in digital transformation process, and the impact on economic and/or business performance.
- Ability to combine qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Experience of using programme evaluation methods.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to convey technical material in non-technical terms for policy and other non-academic stakeholders.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience designing and administering large-scale surveys, and working with linked administrative or telemetry data under GDPR.
- Familiarity with causal-inference methods for staggered programme adoption (for example, difference-in-differences with heterogeneous timing, event studies).
- Prior research on the economics of AI, digital tools, or technology adoption in organisations.
- Experience of qualitative case-study work alongside quantitative analysis.
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions.
Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews Name: Jun Du Email Address: jun.du-3@manchester.ac.uk General enquiries and administrative support recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk Technical and job portal support https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Senior Research Fellow (AI Adoption and Productivity) in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive benefits including leading pension schemes and health services, all while contributing to the strategic direction of a prestigious institution in a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and academic excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow (AI Adoption and Productivity) in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow (AI Adoption and Productivity) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The University of Manchester. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The University of Manchester. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
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In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The University of Manchester to drive research projects forward.
