Research Associate (AI/Technology Specialist) - INNOVATE+ Project

Job Title: Research Associate (AI/Technology Specialist) - INNOVATE+ Project

Department/School: School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems

Campus: Derry~Londonderry campus

Salary: Grade 6/7 (£33,020 - £39,975 per annum)

Duration: Fixed-term until 30th June 2029 / Full-time

Closing Date: 16th April 2026

Reference Number: 041767

ABOUT US

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation, and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation, and technology and knowledge transfer.

THE ROLE

The postholder will be a full-time Research Associate as part of the INNOVATE+ project. They will be an integral part of a dynamic team, responsible for providing expertise in Digital and AI Adoption, conducting high-quality research and development for project stakeholders.

The INNOVATE+ project is a four-year, cross-border initiative designed to boost innovation, productivity, and competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme and led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast and Catalyst, the project will engage 955 SMEs and directly support at least 715 businesses to adopt new products, services, or processes. Through tailored training, specialist consultancy, and innovation-focused student placements, INNOVATE+ will help SMEs embrace digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable business practices, and regulatory compliance.

This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

We may create a 12-month waiting list for the same or similar roles within the Department/Faculty. The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.

ABOUT YOU

The postholder will be required to have:

• A degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics or a closely related science-based discipline.
• Practical experience with digital technologies such as cloud platforms, data analytics tools, automation tools, or AI/ML frameworks.
• Significant experience applying advanced analytics (e.g., machine learning, NLP, computer vision) in an applied industrial context, including the ability to identify and select appropriate AI tools or platforms suited to organisations with minimal technical resources.

Please find our employee benefits on our website.

Athena Swan Statement
The School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality in higher education. You can read more about what this means on our University website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family-friendly working environment, including flexible working.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.