Salford Business School is seeking a Research & Innovation Associate to support the Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), under the direction of the CSI Director and the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) and Media City Immersive Technology Innovation Hub (MITIH) Co – Investigator. Launched in January 2024, CSI focuses on digital transformation, sustainability, and change management, serving as an innovation hub for partnerships with industry and academia.
This exciting role supports the project technical team and academic colleagues in achieving their outputs. Aligned to the CDI and MITIH projects that brings together a range of external partners to provide an Innovation Accelerator for Immersive technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Industrial digitalisation you will be responsible for providing technical R&D support in development of innovative products and services that utilise creative AI for businesses across Greater Manchester and Skills uplift: leading the curation of content and development of an online digital skills platform that provides 24/7 access and removes barrier to skills development in the underrepresented areas and communities
including:
- Exploring the use of creative AI for development of Innovative products for SMEs
- Development of Creative AI applications for SMEs
- Providing Technical Assistance and Advise to SMEs adopting this technology
- Disseminating best practice and results to academic and industry audiences
- Overseeing and maintaining our digital platform, onboarding clients, addressing queries, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our digital services.
Responsibilities include:
- To undertake defined research and technical support tasks to support the successful implementation of the project.
- To liaise closely with relevant project partners, as well as other academics, advisors and administrators relevant to the project, to support the overall project to achieve its objectives.
- To work with the Project Manager and Academic Experts to specify, plan and develop applications that utilise Creative AI to meet business needs for SMEs
- To provide technical assistance to SMEs adopting Creative AI for developing innovative products and services.
- To manage and store data arising from the project according to relevant University and funder guidelines.
- To assist with building networks and contacts for the ongoing development of the project and its sustainability in the longer-term.
- To produce reports and papers from the work undertaken.
- To support and update other dissemination and communication activities (press, webpage, etc.) of the project.
- Perform any other duties appropriate to the grade as may be required by the Dean of School.
- Comply with the personal health and safety responsibilities specified in the University Health and Safety policy.
- Engage with the University’s commitment to deliver value for money services that optimise the use of resources by maintaining a cost-conscious approach when undertaking all duties and aspects of the role.
- Promote equality and diversity for students and staff and sustain an inclusive and supportive study and work environment in accordance with the University policy.
A Bit About The Salford Business School…
Salford Business School is at the forefront of expanding opportunity and access in higher education. With a strong focus on the student experience, we are committed to excellent, inclusive teaching that prepares our students for professional employment and inspires them to achieve their ambitions.
We deliver across a range of subject areas and are currently expanding provision through new partnerships and a developing portfolio of higher and degree apprenticeships. Through our Industrial Collaboration policy, our teaching, research and civic engagement make a real impact across business, public services and our community. Salford Business School was one of the first Business Schools to receive the Small Business Charter and the first to gain a Social Enterprise Gold Mark.
What’s in it for you? – the benefits.
Competitive salary - and excellent pension scheme
Generous annual leave - plus the option to buy additional holiday days.
Flexible working - we support a culture of both flexible and agile working, to help you find the right balance.
Professional development - a comprehensive package of training and development opportunities to help you achieve your full potential.
Our community – there’s a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students’ lives.
The perks! My Salford, our online employee portal, offers a wide range of lifestyle benefits and discounts.
