Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Business Administration at University of Nottingham Ningbo China

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is an exceptional institution, being the first Sino-foreign university to establish a presence in China. This opportunity within the Nottingham University Business School China, under the guidance of Prof. Alain Chong's research team, presents a compelling pathway for ambitious postdoctoral researchers.

About the Opportunity

This is a significant opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research within the burgeoning field of Business Administration. The position is part of a two-year collaborative project focused on the practical applications and rigorous evaluation of Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) within the financial risk control and digital economy sectors. You will be instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of an AI-based due diligence assistant, comparing its performance against traditional methods through both quantitative analysis and real-world field experiments. A key aspect of this role involves developing a robust evaluation framework for GenAI/LLM tools, encompassing the creation of expert-annotated datasets and conducting comprehensive benchmarking studies. Additionally, you will engage in empirical research utilizing large-scale government and enterprise data, with a focus on critical topics such as digital transformation and industry coordination. This role offers substantial opportunities for contributing to scholarly publications and designing innovative human-AI collaboration models.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Design & Execution: Formulate and articulate clear research objectives, developing proposals for both individual and collaborative projects. Employ established methodologies and techniques to execute research effectively within the specified domain.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Meticulously analyze data, interpret findings, critically evaluate scholarly texts, and generate novel insights. This will be done while adhering to project timelines and fostering seamless collaboration with team members and partners.
• Dissemination & Publication: Author research findings for publication in high-impact journals and contribute to dissemination at national and international conferences, leading to successful research outputs.
• Grant Writing & Funding: Proactively identify opportunities and assist in the writing of compelling bids for research grant applications.
• Relationship Building & Collaboration: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate information exchange, forge future collaborations, and identify potential funding sources and partnership opportunities.

Who You Are

To thrive in this role, you should possess:

• A PhD awarded within the last 3 years in one of the following fields: Information Systems, FinTech / Financial Engineering, Data Science & Business Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence / NLP, or Management Science & Engineering.
• Exceptional English Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the proven ability to articulate complex information with clarity.
• Analytical Prowess: High analytical ability to dissect and illuminate data, interpret reports, critically evaluate and critique texts, and contribute innovative perspectives.
• Creative Research Application: The capacity to creatively apply relevant research approaches, models, techniques, and methods.
• Resource Management: The ability to assess and organize resource requirements and deploy them effectively.
• Collaborative Spirit: A strong aptitude for building relationships and collaborating effectively with others, both internally and externally.
• Practical Experience: Some demonstrable practical experience in applying the specialist skills, approaches, and techniques relevant to this role.
• Chinese Communication (Advantageous): Excellent communication skills in Chinese will be a significant asset.

Advantages for Your Career Path

This postdoctoral fellowship offers a unique platform for career advancement:

• High-Impact Research: Engage in research that directly addresses national strategic needs and contributes to the global advancement of Business Administration, particularly in AI and the digital economy.
• World-Class Institution: Become part of a prestigious British university in China, renowned for its high-quality education and research, with a strong reputation in Business Administration, recognized by Shanghai Ranking.
• Leading Researchers: Work alongside distinguished academics like Prof. Alain Chong and Dr. Xiaodie Pu, gaining invaluable mentorship and exposure to their extensive expertise and networks.
• Industry Collaboration: Opportunities for in-depth industry-university research cooperation with globally recognized enterprises, providing practical insights and potential for future career pathways.
• International Exposure: Immerse yourself in a multicultural academic environment at UNNC, fostering global perspectives and interdisciplinary connections.
• Research Funding: Access to RMB 50,000 in research funding to support your scholarly pursuits.
• Career Development: The established postdoctoral research station at UNNC signifies a commitment to nurturing talent and innovation, offering a solid foundation for future academic or industry roles.

Key Considerations

Potential candidates should note:

• Location: The position is based at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China campus.
• Contract: This is a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years.
• Application Process: Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of November 25, 2025. Please ensure your application includes a cover letter, an up-to-date CV with an academic and research achievement list, and a research proposal (refer to the attached project summary).

This postdoctoral research fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity for driven individuals looking to make a significant impact in the field of Business Administration, particularly at the intersection of AI, finance, and the digital economy, within a globally recognized institution.