Buckinghamshire New University

Location
High Wycombe
Contract Type
Fixed Term Contract
Salary Range
£33,951 - £37,694
Hours per week
37
Closing Date
18/10/2026
Ref No
2137
<h1>Research Associate - AI CAD Technical Development (AKT) FTC 3 months</h1>
Full Time (37 hrs per week) –Fixed Term Contract (3 months) – High Wycombe
Salary - £33,951 – £37,694
We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently – because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.
So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.
We are seeking a Research Associate to deliver an innovative collaborative project between Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) and local manufacturing company, Foam Engineers, providing a unique opportunity to apply research in a commercial environment.
Through this Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project, you will collaborate with Foam Engineers and BNU’s College of Creative, Arts, Technology and Engineering. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your academic expertise and develop your knowledge of computer vision, artificial intelligence and automated manufacturing within an industrial environment.
You will lead research to help Foam Engineers implement an AI-powered photo-to-CAD pipeline, reducing manual design processes, increasing efficiency and maximising return on investment. The project will establish a strong foundation for collaboration between BNU and Foam Engineers while developing a detailed understanding of how AI and computer vision can transform custom foam manufacturing.
You will also promote an inclusive approach to research and contribute to a welcoming university community. This three-month AKT project is part-funded by Innovate UK.
What we offer:
<ul>
<li>a generous holiday entitlement (35 days per annum, plus bank holidays &amp; closure days)</li>
<li>Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)</li>
<li>training &amp; development support opportunities</li>
<li>contributory pension scheme</li>
<li>free gym membership for our on-site gym</li>
<li>a range of staff discounts with major retailers.</li>
</ul>
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Francesca Martin at <a href="mailto:Francesca.Martin@bnu.ac.uk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Francesca.Martin@bnu.ac.uk</a>
All applications are to be made in full and online.
We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.
Closing Date: 18 October 2026
Interview Date: 26/27 October 2026
If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Funding for this post stipulates that Associates must be in role within 6 weeks of funding being confirmed, therefore we are unable to offer visa sponsorship to the successful candidate.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
<h2>Job Description</h2>
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Research Associate – AI CAD Technical Development
College/Professional Service: College of Creative, Arts, Technology and Engineering
Grade: F
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Professor Benjamin Aziz
Responsible for: n/a
Job Purpose:
To support an industry focused research project in collaboration with Foam Engineers by conducting research, analysing results, and generating original ideas.
Through the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project, you will be working in partnership with Foam Engineers and BNU’s College of Creative, Arts, Technology and Engineering. This is a unique chance to utilise your academic achievements and develop your knowledge of computer vision, AI, and automated manufacturing in an industrial setting. You will lead on research that will inform Foam Engineers on how to adopt an AI-powered photo-to-CAD pipeline to eliminate manual design bottlenecks and reduce cost to maximise the company’s return on investment in this area. The AKT project forms the beginning of a collaboration between BNU and Foam Engineers and will develop and document a detailed understanding of how AI and computer vision can transform custom foam manufacturing processes in Foam Engineers.
Through your research you will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves. This is a 3 month Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Project partly funded by Innovate UK.
Main Duties &amp; Responsibilities of the role:
The role will be required to:
<ul>
<li>With supervision from the academic team at BNU’s College of Creative, Arts, Technology and Engineering, undertake research into the latest computer vision, AI, and automated geometry processing and how this can be applied in the context of Foam Engineers manufacturing processes.</li>
<li>With support from the Innovation Manager at Foam Engineers carry out process and materials audit of Foam Engineers current manufacturing process and its products, including manual CAD design, DXF file specifications, and existing bottlenecks</li>
<li>Conduct literature and database searches to understand full breadth of AI-driven photo-to-CAD conversion, edge detection, dimensional scaling, and DXF generation technologies</li>
<li>Prepare and carry out tests to understand evaluate the effectiveness of the AI-driven platform in relation to Foam Engineers’ manufacturing requirements, including materiality, sustainability, and productivity</li>
<li>Attend and contribute to relevant meetings, presenting information on research progress and outcomes to the project team, to include senior stakeholders at BNU and Foam Engineers.</li>
<li>Actively participate as a member of a research team and take autonomy over own research tasks.</li>
<li>Track expenditure against a set budget and provide reports as required.</li>
<li>Make use of standard research techniques and methods and computer assisted data analysis techniques</li>
<li>Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.</li>
<li>Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed project.</li>
<li>Contribute to and/or produce research reports presenting findings from primary and secondary research.</li>
<li>Produce end of project report detailing recommendations for Foam Engineers.</li>
<li>Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices</li>
<li>Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.</li>
</ul>
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
Education, Qualifications &amp; Training
Means of Testing
BSc or higher in relevant field – Computer Vision, AI, or Digital Manufacturing
A
Knowledge &amp; Experience
Delivering an excellent customer experience
A/I
The ability to write clearly and concisely and to contribute to reports.
A/I
The ability to produce highly accurate work and high quality documentation
I
Able to work as part of a team
I
Computer database skills
A/I
Skills
Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools
A/I
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with all stakeholders
I
Excellent organisational and time management skills
A/I
Ability to be flexible and to respond to changing priorities in a busy environment
I
Special Requirements
A willingness and ability to work in off-site locations
I
Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the values and ethos of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:
Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Working together
Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Research Associate - AI CAD Technical Development (AKT) FTC 3 months

Research Associate - AI CAD Technical Development (AKT) FTC 3 months

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