Research Fellow in AI Software Engineering - School of Computer Science - 105453 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Computer Science

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to October 2027

Closing date: 29th April 2025

Please note that the successful applicant will be employed by the University of Birmingham but will be primarily based at Elite Capital Limited premises in Studio 4, Clarks Courtyard, 145 Grandville Street, Birmingham, B1 1SB.

Background

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham and Elite Capital Limited. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership project will develop and implement Al tools to automate and refine bidding strategies, ensuring efficient use of the advertising budget. We also aim to enhance data analytics capabilities to better understand market trends and consumer behaviour, allowing for more targeted and effective advertising campaigns.

Elite Capital Limited is a prominent player in the personal grooming sector, overseeing two distinct brands: BarberBoss and OOZZ. OOZZ is dedicated to hair extensions and wigs, consistently maintaining a stable market presence. In contrast, BarberBoss serves men, women, and pets, with its line of men's hair clippers being the largest and fastest-growing category. Our products are currently exclusively available on Amazon and sold across seven European countries, with Germany and the UK as the largest markets.

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is a government-funded technology transfer initiative that supports partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates on challenging, high profile projects. Further information is available at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ktp 

Role Summary

• To facilitate the knowledge transfer of AI software engineering through conducting research. 
• To understand the technology transfer challenges and share solutions to address them.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• To plan, design and deliver the research activities of the KTP programme, and to co-ordinate the research programme with the industrial sponsor of the project. 

Main Duties

• Design and Develop AI-Powered Software: Create, deploy, and maintain robust software solutions that automate and optimize Amazon ad campaigns using AI and machine learning, including LLMs Apply knowledge in a way which develops processes suitable for application in industry. 
• Integrate AI for Campaign Management.
• Optimise Amazon Ad Campaigns.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work with marketing, data science, and product teams to align AI solutions with business goals. 
• Coding and problem-solving: Utilize your coding expertise (e.g., Python, R, JavaScript) to customize and integrate AI tools, build APIs, and create technical solutions for marketing challenges. 
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, patent searches, and research interviews.
• Develop research objectives for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops a new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to enterprise and business development and/or public engagement activities of benefit to the Company or University, often under the supervision of a project leader.
• Collaborate with other key stakeholders to address the project deliverables.
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of methods such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Connect with the other potential end-users of the technology.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience.
• A strong background in computer science (degree or equivalent experience).
• Exceptional numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and translate insights into actionable strategies. 
• Proficiency in coding (Python, JavaScript, R, or similar) to develop and customize AI-powered tools and apps.
• Proven experience in building and deploying applications that leverage LLMs or AI models.
• Hands-on experience with advertising platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, or Amazon.
• Ability to design, develop, and deploy custom apps to support marketing functions.
• Familiarity with AI-powered marketing tools (e.g., ChatGPT API, Jasper AI, DataRobot)
• A strategic mindset with a focus on data-backed decision-making
• Demonstrated capability in delivering world-class or international-leading research. 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Good writing skills and an ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively. 
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.

First round of Interviews scheduled: 5th May 2025

Final round of Interviews scheduled: 12th May 2025

Informal enquiries to Shan He, email: s.he.1@bham.ac.uk 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.