Research & Development Manager (AICC)

Ulster University - School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems

Placed On: 6th November 2025

Closes: 20th November 2025

Job Ref: AICC

Role: Research & Development Manager (AICC)

Department: School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems

Grade: 8 (£48,822 - £58,260)

Responsible to: AICC Deputy Director of Business Engagement

Campus: Belfast or Derry~Londonderry

Reference: 039506

(Full-time, fixed-term to 31st August 2028, with the possibility of extension for up to 12 months - subject to funding)

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 Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) is a government-funded initiative delivered by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across Northern Ireland. By connecting academia, industry, and government, the Centre enables collaborative innovation, skills development, and real-world application of AI to drive productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth.

The Research and Development (R&D) Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing the AICC’s research and innovation agenda by developing, co-ordinating, and securing collaborative projects between businesses and academia. The postholder will support the preparation and submission of high-quality funding bids, develop a pipeline of collaborative R&D opportunities, and ensure AICC resources are deployed effectively to deliver impact.

Key responsibilities will include triaging enquiries from SMEs engaged through the Transformer Programme, aligning suitable projects with collaborative R&D pathways, and acting as a focal point for industry-academic matchmaking across both Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast.

ABOUT YOU

• A higher qualification (e.g. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent level 6 qualification or above) in an Engineering, Science, Technology, or Business-related subject area.
• Significant project development, funding development, and bid writing experience with clear evidence of successful delivery against project objectives, together with a working knowledge of the Artificial Intelligence, data, and digital innovation research sector, and a strong understanding of how to successfully grow and sustain industry–academic partnerships that deliver collaborative R&D impact.
• Extensive working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, data, and the digital technology sector with a strong understanding of emerging global trends shaping research, innovation, and industry adoption.

Please find our employee benefits on our website.

Ulster University holds a Silver 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.