At a Glance
- Tasks: Support AI research for sustainable manufacturing and measure environmental impacts.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's innovative School of Mechanical Engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while working with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or Master's in Sustainability or related field, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Part Time 0.5 FTE (18.75 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to September 2029
Closing date: 9th August 2026
UK Travel may be required for this role
Background
The Collaborative AI for Manufacturing Sustainability (Co-AIMS) Hub is an £11 million EPSRC-funded research initiative led by the University of Birmingham. It aims to revolutionize UK manufacturing by developing AI-powered, people-centric, and regenerative systems that cut waste, boost productivity, and improve sustainability across sectors like automotive, aerospace, and energy. The hub concentrates on AI applications to reduce waste, enhance autonomy, and empower workers in the food & drink, aerospace, and automotive industries.
The Sustainable Manufacturing Group at the University of Birmingham leads research in developing innovative solutions to support a greener and more sustainable future. As the sustainability lead for Co-AIMS we aim to demonstrate that the hub operation, activities undertaken, and outcomes generated all consider the environmental consequences and, where possible, help to mitigate any impact.
The position will be based within the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham where you will be both part of the Sustainable Manufacturing Group and the Co-AIMS hub.
Role Summary
This position will support the recently awarded Co-AIMS Hub in developing, establishing, and measuring the environmental impact of Artificial Intelligence usage in manufacturing. The role will have a dual focus in supporting the operational activities of the Hub and its research agenda.
- Establish and manage a reporting framework for the project overall sustainability metrics and performance
- Identify a set of sustainability metrics which reflect the aims and ideals of the Co-AIMS Hub
- Operate within area of specialism
- Contribute to establishing the carbon footprint of various AI models to help inform decision makers and users
- Analysing data to identify trends, assess process efficiency and evaluate energy performance
- Contribute to generating funding
- Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Establish and manage a reporting framework for the project overall sustainability metrics and performance
- Identify a set of sustainability metrics which reflect the aims and ideals of the Co-AIMS Hub
- Contribute to establishing the carbon footprint of various AI models to help inform decision makers and users
- Analysing data to identify trends, assess process efficiency and evaluate energy performance
- Preparing technical documentation, project reports and research publications
- Supporting the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate students
- Collaborating with academic colleagues within the Sustainable Manufacturing Group and the Co-AIMS Hub to advance shared research goals
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
Person Specification
- A PhD or Master's degree in Sustainability, computer science or a closely related field with relevant working experience
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Strong understanding and knowledge of sustainability principles and approaches for improving resource efficiency
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and publications
- Capacity to work collaboratively within a research group and contribute to joint project objectives
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010
Informal enquiries to David Butler, email: d.l.butler@bham.ac.uk
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
Research Fellow (Sustainability for AI) - School of Mechanical Engineering - 107758 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow (Sustainability for AI) - School of Mechanical Engineering - 107758 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like University of Birmingham that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like University of Birmingham that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like University of Birmingham. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like University of Birmingham when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow (Sustainability for AI) - School of Mechanical Engineering - 107758 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with University of Birmingham's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Research Fellow (Sustainability for AI) - School of Mechanical Engineering - 107758 - Grade 7.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research University of Birmingham and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that University of Birmingham is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Research Fellow (Sustainability for AI) - School of Mechanical Engineering - 107758 - Grade 7.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with University of Birmingham.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at University of Birmingham.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of University of Birmingham. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
