aston university Applications for 2026 have started Vice Chancellor’s Award Fellowshipoffers up to 10 tenure-track research positions, including roles such as: enterprise AI and industry collaboration.
The three-year fellowship begins September 1, 2026 and falls within a grade 8 or grade 9 pay scale depending on experience. Depending on progress, fellows may transition to a permanent academic contract in September 2029.
Professor Alexeis García Pérez, Director of the Aston Capgemini Center of Excellence for Enterprise AI at Aston University, promoted the opportunity on LinkedIn, positioning the scheme as a conduit for researchers focused on enterprise AI deployment, governance and trusted assurance.
Enterprise AI Center aims to expand through industry collaboration
Within the Aston Capgemini Center of Excellence, the successful Fellow will join a collaborative delivery team working directly with global industry partners. The center operates at the intersection of academia and industry and focuses on the socio-technical challenges surrounding AI implementation and assurance.
García Perez wrote that the fellowship provides “an ideal platform to join the Aston Capgemini Center of Excellence.” The center is “fully focused on the socio-technical challenges of AI adoption, governance and reliable assurance,” it added.
This role structure represents an attempt to integrate researchers into applied industry AI projects, rather than positioning them solely within traditional academic departments.
Up to 10 posts to open across disciplines as university expands
The university offers up to 10 fellowships across a wide range of research areas, including business, management, law, social sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, biological sciences, psychology, pharmacy, medicine, optometry, and applied health fields.
Applicants must have completed their doctoral program and have their amendments approved prior to commencement. Fellows will receive training and development support and will be expected to obtain external research funding during their fellowship.
Final candidates will present their research vision in a panel interview. An informational webinar is scheduled for March 3rd.
Fellowship plans align with Aston 2030 strategy
Aston has positioned the Vice-Chancellor’s Award Fellowships as part of Aston’s 2030 strategy, which includes expanding research capacity and investing in people.
For enterprise AI in particular, the scheme reflects broader changes in how universities structure applied AI research. As governance, assurance and responsible development move higher up corporate and policy agendas, universities are increasingly formalizing partnerships that link academic research with real-world industry challenges.
Applications are accepted through the Aston Jobs portal.
ETIH Innovation Award 2026
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 is now open and recognizes education technology organizations that are driving measurable impact across K-12, higher education, and lifelong learning. The award welcomes applications from the UK, the Americas and overseas, and applications will be assessed on the basis of evidence of achievement and practical application.
