Associate Professor of AI in Defence & Security

The University of Lincoln seeks an ambitious candidate with an impressive applied AI research profile to be appointed at Associate Professor level into a new, strategically-important, university research and innovation centre (Centre for Defence and Security AI – launched 2024). We are particularly interested in candidates who want to focus on advanced data analytics and applied AI in support of complex, high-stakes decision-making.

You will be expected to lead the growth of a research portfolio and will be strongly supported in doing so by academic and professional services colleagues. As well as pursuing research grants, you will be able to contribute to collaborative project work with local military and industry partners and participate in the regional ‘DecisionLab’ collaborative initiative. To encourage a focus on research excellence, there will be no teaching commitments for an agreed period of time and there is provision for a university-funded PhD student to be recruited immediately. The primary focus will therefore be on acquiring external funding, supervising postdoctoral researchers (we are hiring) and PhD students, publishing in the highest quality journals and conferences, strengthening industry partnerships, contributing to real-world applications with positive impacts, and conducting, directing and leading research to fulfil the University’s ambition and strategic objectives.

The University of Lincoln has a culture of enterprise and innovation and is particularly known for our work in applied AI, for example at the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology, which was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for innovation in 2023. We’re now looking to extend that AI strength into wider applications and in our prioritised sectors. Situated in Lincolnshire, close to several important RAF and Defence bases, the University prioritises and is proactively supportive of Defence and Security work.

The centre is new and the team is small to start out. By joining at this stage, there is plenty opportunity for someone ambitious to have significant impact, take on leadership roles, secure high visibility and to take their career to the next level, knowing that there will strong support from the University.

Please note this role requires candidates to go through UK national security vetting processes.

For informal enquiries and more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Professor Fiona Strens, Director of the Centre for Defence & Security AI, at fstrens@lincoln.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 01 Jun 2025

Department: Academic

Salary: £57,422 per annum Please note, this post is permanent and full-time at 1 FTE.