Senior Research Associate - AdvancedAIModelsandOptimisation Algorithms Supply ChainPlanning

Full Time and Fixed Term for 9 months (Subject to Funding) About Loughborough Business School

We area vibrant,research‑ledschool witha strong reputation for academic excellence,real‑worldimpact and an inclusive, collaborative culture. It is among an elite global group of business schools to hold triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, and was named a PRME Champion (2024–2025) for its leadership in responsible management education. The Schoolalsoholds Small Business Charter accreditation and a Bronze Athena Swan Award, reflecting its commitment to entrepreneurship,equalityand positive societal impact, and offers a supportive and forward‑lookingenvironment in which staff and students can thrive.

This project,Smart Slots:

AI-Native Factory Scheduling for SMEs, is based at Loughborough Business School and addresses the challenge of helping manufacturers meet the UK’s Net Zero 2050 commitment while improving productivity and reducing waste. Funded by Innovate UK, the project is led by Dr Kamran Ali Chatha, Dr Grammatoula Papaioannou and Professor Jan Godsell,working in close collaboration with an industrial technology partner specialising in supply chain planning and manufacturingdecision‑supportsoftware, alongside a network of SME manufacturing collaborators.

The project aims to developadvanced

AI(machine learning,generative

AI, LLMs, and agentic AI) based modelsandoptimization algorithms that integrate carbon and productivityobjectivesinto factory planning and scheduling. Thepost holder will be an integral member of the project team, contributing to developing AI based solutions, analytical modelling, and optimisation methods, and software development, while working closely with academic colleagues and industry partners to ensure practical relevance and impact for SMEs.

The post holder will develop,analyseandimplementsolutions, using machine learning,generative

AI, LLMs, and agentic AIandoptimisationmodelsfor production and supply chain planning in SMEs, with a particular focus on theirintegration into the software products of an industry technology partner. They will work closely with academic and industry collaborators to ensuremodelsare robust,usableand aligned withreal‑worldmanufacturing contexts.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Grammatoula Papaioannou at  or Dr Kamran Ali Chatha at

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: 18 June 2026

Interview Date: 29 June 2026

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with theoptionto buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world‑class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.

From £47,389. Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade
7. Subject to annual pay award.