Aston AI Fellow

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Contract Type: Fixed Term (36 months)

As part of our Aston 2030 Strategy, we are investing in four new postdoctoral research fellowships in Artificial Intelligence. These roles are designed to bridge cutting-edge AI research with its responsible, practical application to real-world enterprise challenges, in partnership with Capgemini and our wider industry ecosystem.

As an Aston AI Fellow within Aston Business School, you will be a founding member of the new Aston–Capgemini Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI. The Centre is a strategic partnership focused on moving beyond theoretical AI to deliver impact in business and society. Fellows will conduct high-impact research on enterprise challenges such as responsible adoption of AI, business transformation, governance, and value creation. Working with the Centre Director, Capgemini experts, and industry partners, you will co-create solutions with tangible benefits for organisations and society.

The Fellowships support Aston’s commitment to transformative research by nurturing the research leaders of tomorrow. You will have the freedom to develop innovative projects, collaborate across disciplines, and establish yourself as a respected researcher with international reach.

We are offering up to four fellowships at the Grade 8 or 9 level (depending on experience) for a fixed term of three years.

Fellowships will provide successful candidates with the opportunity to excel as excellent self-directed researchers, develop innovative and distinctive research projects, foster collaboration within their research teams and across the institution, and establish themselves as respected figure in their fields. 

Selection will be based on:

• Excellence in research aligned with Aston’s AI strengths
• Potential to deliver world-leading outputs for REF2029
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, lead, and achieve impact
• Ability and willingness to teach

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.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of Enterprise AI while developing your independent research career.

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.

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.

Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

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