Senior Research Associate

Salary

£35,608 - £39,906 per annum

Contractual hours

Basis

Full-Time

Job category/type

Fixed Term - Full-Time

Job reference

REC00005196

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role

Working autonomously with instruction from the research leader ultimately responsible for the project, (or group of studies), to carry out research analysing data, developing new evaluation methods and determining how best to apply them. Responsible for regularly managing elements of the project in line with the project terms of reference.

The research project involves: BRIDGE AI UK is an Innovate UK-funded project. The work will involve close collaboration with an industry partner to design, build and evaluate AI-powered automation on the partner's live technology platform, combining cloud-based AI models, low-code workflow tools and everyday software engineering to solve real operational problems, with human oversight built into every step. The postholder will work alongside a team of academic supervisors and entry-level AI engineers. The successful candidate should have full-stack or software development experience, be comfortable picking up new AI and automation tools quickly and enjoy solving practical business problems rather than pure research ones.

Whilst there is a requirement to be in Portsmouth a few days each week, hybrid working is available for this role, subject to operational requirements and project delivery needs.

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 10 August 2026.

This appointment is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2027.

For salary calculations, you will be paid for 26.072 weeks. The difference between the full-year equivalent of 52.143 weeks and the 26.072 weeks worked covers paid annual leave entitlement and public and statutory holidays. The salary will be paid in equal monthly instalments over the duration of the contract.

For internal candidates it may be possible to apply for this role under the Secondment Policy . If you wish to apply as a secondee, you must have approval of your line manager in advance of submitting your application form. Please confirm in your application that your line manager has approved this.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Dr Shamsul Masum at ***email_hidden***

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits

Salary Information

New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement

We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.