Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence

Our Mission

Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. We are driven by our passionate belief in the transformational power of education and research to enable and empower our students, colleagues and partners and to improve the world around them. Our people are key to our success and each role contributes to the Group’s ongoing progress in communities around the world.

The Role

The Research Centre of Computational Science & Mathematical Modelling develops and applies computational methods to real‑world challenges, with focus on AI issues such as explainability, privacy, robustness, and governance. We seek candidates with strong technical and programming skills, a problem‑led research mindset, commitment to open, collaborative, and trans‑disciplinary research.

This role will strengthen the university’s capabilities in AI, machine learning, and data science, with applications aligned to one of our priority research areas: Health and Life Sciences; Defence and Security; Engineering for Sustainability; Agriculture and Water Resilience; or the Creative Economies.

The role is split approximately as 60% to perform applied AI research and 40% to perform AI education activities. 

Key responsibilities lead impactful applied AI research, including developing bids, securing funding, and delivering projects. Funding will be sought from traditional research bodies (e.g. UKRI, EU) and through commercial routes via our AI Adoption Lab, including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), consultancy, contract research, and industry‑funded PhDs.

Teaching will be delivered through the new AI Skills Academy. You will contribute to the design, delivery, and assessment of a range of provision, including CPD and Executive Education for external clients, apprenticeship programmes, and AI upskilling for CU Group staff and students.

Qualifications Required

A PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline such as Computer Science or a related field. 

Our Successful Candidate

You will develop innovative research projects aligned with University’s strategic strengths and lead external funding bids. The role involves generating impact and income through knowledge exchange, industry-sponsored PhDs, consultancy, and contract research, drawing on prior experience in these areas.

You will have research expertise in generative AI (e.g. fine-tuning, prompt engineering, retrieval‑augmented generation) and/or machine learning (e.g. data preparation, model selection, optimisation, and evaluation).

You will demonstrate a strong record of high‑quality publications and a clear strategy for future outputs aligned with UK REF priorities of originality, significance, and rigour.

The Benefits

Along with a competitive salary we offer a Rewards and Benefits package which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fee’s for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme
• Cycle To Work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Closing date: 17 May 2026

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