Research Associate - Digital Innovation & Transformation

The Role

Working with Prof Savvas Papagiannidis, you will support a portfolio of research activity in digital transformation and information systems, with particular attention to the organisational, societal and educational implications of artificial intelligence. You will contribute to the development and delivery of projects examining how digital technologies reshape organisational strategy, innovation, business models and user experience. This may include undertaking literature reviews, collecting and analysing qualitative or quantitative data, supporting case-study research, preparing research outputs. A particular emphasis will be placed on research concerning the adoption, governance and consequences of AI, including generative AI, across organisations and wider society. The role will also contribute to teaching and learning projects, especially initiatives exploring the effective, responsible and evidence-informed use of AI in higher education.

You may help design and evaluate educational interventions (such as TheoryHub), support the development of teaching, and contribute to scholarship of teaching and learning outputs resources (e.g. with theory reviews and case studies). Alongside research and educational activity, you will assist with impact-focused work by translating findings for academic, policy, practitioner and public audiences. This could involve preparing briefs and reports, supporting engagement with external partners, contributing to events and communications, and gathering evidence of the reach and significance of research-informed change.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of . These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy. We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable. Click for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics. Click for a self-study e-learning module on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics.

Key Accountabilities

• Disciplinary knowledge: you should have knowledge of technology adoption and diffusion as well as implementation and management of information systems. Projects are likely to be related to artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies
• Teaching & Learning support: Contribute to the development of teaching materials, and support digital education pedagogic initiatives
• Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with industry partners, policymakers, and academic peers to facilitate knowledge exchange and drive impactful research outcomes
• Creating impact: Help translate research findings into real-world applications by developing insights, frameworks, and recommendations that support external stakeholders
• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable expertise in technology adoption, diffusion, and implementation in digital transformation
• Ability to critically assess and evaluate concepts/theories to develop original research solutions
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.
• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Information Systems Management, Business, Digital Innovation, or related disciplines)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29763