Research Fellow (727893)

To work with Strathclyde Business School and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) colleagues to conduct research into digital transformation, develop case studies, support a large-scale survey, co-create SME-friendly solutions, organise dissemination events, produce explainer videos, and contribute to reports and academic publications.

FTE: 0.6 FTE
Term: Fixed (Until April 2026)

This role is for a Research Fellow to work part-time (0.6 FTE) until 31/03/2026 with Dr Aylin Ates, Prof Jill MacBryde, Prof Colin Lindsay and Dr Robert Stewart on high impact and research-focused project called ‘Made Smarter Innovation: Amplifying the impact of InterAct project’ funded by the UKRI. It’s a collaboration between Loughborough University and Strathclyde Business School to shape the future of UK manufacturing.

The aim of the role is to conduct research and engage with manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop solutions to overcome the barriers and harness the benefits of digital technologies to enable short-term resource and energy efficiency and long-term competitiveness. The role will support harnessing the greater benefits from new digitally enabled business models in manufacturing SMEs as these new business models are increasingly co-opetitive, circular and ecosystem based.

Specifically, the Research Fellow will work intensively with Strathclyde Business School colleagues with the aim of conducting new research and co-creating SME-friendly solutions. The role requires knowledge of UK manufacturing, as well as excellent business-facing and networking skills. The skills required to engage with SMEs and knowledge exchange resources are also required.

Specific activities include:

• Conduct 3-5 case studies with manufacturing SMEs with the aim to secure the long-term benefits of digital technology through investing in people planning. Organise and support dissemination events, record explainer video to reach out SMEs. Write reports and papers to communicate research findings.
• Support a large-scale survey to augment case-based insights. Conduct research into barriers and key systemic disconnects affecting industrial digital technology (IDT) adoption by SMEs. Support dissemination events and reporting results.

To be considered for the role, you will have a PhD (in Business & Management or Engineering/ Manufacturing) and have significant relevant research and professional experience in addition to a relevant undergraduate degree. You will have an ability to plan and organise collaborative projects to ensure successful completion and you will have experience of planning and organising workloads, including the ability to flag risks and issues and seek support as appropriate. You will be able to work within a team environment and to plan and deliver your own work with strict deadlines. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Initial interviews have been scheduled for 14 July 2025.

For informal enquiries please contact, to Dr Aylin Ates, Reader at aylin.ates@strath.ac.uk.

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