Aston AI Fellow

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Contract Type: Fixed Term (36 months)

At Aston University, we’re investing in the future of research. If you’re a postdoctoral researcher with passion and commitment, with an outstanding future, contributing to benefits for society, business and industry, and the wider world, this opportunity is for you. If you’re ready to shape the next breakthrough in your discipline, we want to hear from you.

As part of our commitment to AI research, aligned with our Aston 2030 Strategy, we are investing in four new postdoctoral posts in our areas of research strength in AI as follows:

• 1 post will work with our School of Computing and Digital Technologies within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• 2 posts will work with The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute (SPR-DFI)
• 1 post will work with Aston Business School

For the SPR-DFI positions, the postholder(s) will be expected to conduct research – and demonstrate a track record of research achievements - in at least one of the following AI research focus areas:

Position 1:

• Generative AI with enhanced cognitive/reasoning capability
• Artifical General Intelligence (AGI)
• eXplainable AI (XAI)
• Agentic AI and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS)
• Adversarial AI for the detection of misinformation/disinformation (e.g. deepfakes)

Aston AI Fellowships will make a key contribution in delivering Aston’s commitment to excellent, transformative research outlined in our 2030 strategy, by recruiting and nurturing the research innovation and change-makers of tomorrow. Fellowships will provide successful candidates with the opportunity to excel as an excellent self-directed researcher, develop innovative and distinctive research projects, foster collaboration within their research teams and across the institution, and establish themselves as a respected figure in their fields. 

Up to four Aston AI Fellowships are offered at either Grade 8 or Grade 9, depending on experience and track record. This is an exciting opportunity to build your research profile and establish your autonomy as part of an internationally respected research team.

The posts are available for a fixed term of 3 years.

Successful Fellows will be recruited on the basis of:

• Excellence as appropriate to supporting Aston’s aim to be at the forefront of research in science, technology, and enterprise
• Alignment with our areas of excellence in AI as outlined above
• Potential to deliver research of world-leading quality consistent with Aston’s goals for REF2029. 

To apply for the role, you must hold a PhD by the closing date. You should demonstrate a strong research track record relative to your career stage and discipline. You are expected to have a reputation for internationally excellent or world-leading research, appropriate to your career stage, and show the potential to provide leadership within your research group and contribute across the institution. You should also have the drive to represent your research at national and international levels.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 17 November 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed