Research Fellow in Cultural ; KTP Associate – UoB​/Blanc Aero Industries Ltd - College

Position: Research Fellow in Cultural Change (KTP Associate – UoB/Blanc Aero Industries Ltd) - College[...]

Research Fellow in Cultural Change (KTP Associate – UoB/Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd) - College of Social Sciences - 106609 - Grade 7

Position Details:
College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Full-time starting salary: £36,636 to £46,049

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2028

Closing date: 5th January 2026

Background

This opportunity leads a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Birmingham Business School at the University of Birmingham and BLANC AERO INDUSTRIES UK LIMITED (LISI Rugby). The project aims to implement a management toolkit (Culture Lab) to trigger human‑centric holistic change, instilling a culture of continuous learning and growth at LISI Rugby to achieve enhanced agility and sustainable productivity.

Note:

The successful applicant will be employed by the University of Birmingham but will be primarily based at BLANC AERO INDUSTRIES UK LIMITED premises in Rugby.

About Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd (LISI Rugby)

Located in Rugby, Warwickshire, part of the LISI AEROSPACE division and LISI Group. Founded in 1939, supplying titanium fasteners for aircraft. An award‑winning site recognized for training, health and safety, wellbeing, and EDI. In 2024 awarded Make UK Manufacturer of the year.

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The KTP scheme is a government‑funded technology transfer initiative supporting partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates on challenging, high‑profile projects. More info:

Role Summary

The KTP Research Fellow will transfer academic knowledge to LISI Rugby, leading and delivering a change management project with direct impact on the business and its people.

Develop Skills

• Develop both industry and research skills to boost your career.
• Access a dedicated training and development budget.
• Work across all aspects of the project including research and business activities.

Take Ownership

• Solve challenges and develop your own learning.
• Manage your own workload to deliver project objectives.
• Contribute to the project’s direction.

Collaborate

• Benefit from continuous support from academic and company supervisors.
• Work with innovative and ambitious company staff, including senior management.
• See the real‑life impact of your work and research for the company.

Main Duties

• Translate academic research into practical application.
• Apply the Culture Lab methodology to real‑world scenarios for concrete outcomes.
• Triangulate data from multiple sources using surveys, interviews, observations and quantitative & qualitative analytic techniques.
• Collect research data through various methods such as employee surveys and research interviews.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge to develop new intellectual understanding.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods.
• Design and deliver training and workshops.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, etc.
• Present project outputs, including drafting academic publications, seminars and posters.
• Develop case studies and reports on the project.
• Undertake management/administration arising from the project.
• Provide guidance to support staff and students assisting with the project.
• Deal with problems that may affect achievement of project objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and values diversity, fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

First degree in area of specialism and normally a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience.

Knowledge & Experience

• Desirable:
  PhD (or close to completion) in Business Management, Psychology or Service Design.
• Expertise in advanced quantitative data‑analytic techniques, e.g., SEM.
• Experience in the manufacturing sector.
• Experience in Human Resources/Process Development/Training.
• Expertise in advanced qualitative data‑analytic techniques.
• 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 broader…