Aston University opens 10 tenure-track fellowships amid push into enterprise AI
Three-year Vice-Chancellor’s Prize scheme includes roles linked to the Aston-Capgemini Centre of Excellence.
Aston University has opened applications for its 2026 Vice-Chancellor’s Prize Fellowships, offering up to 10 tenure-track research posts, including roles aligned with enterprise AI and industry collaboration.
The three-year fellowships begin September 1, 2026, and sit within Grade 8 or Grade 9 pay scales depending on experience. Subject to progress, fellows may transition to permanent academic contracts in September 2029.
Professor Alexeis Garcia Perez, Director of the Aston-Capgemini Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI at Aston University, promoted the opportunity on LinkedIn, positioning the scheme as a route for researchers focused on enterprise AI adoption, governance, and trusted assurance.
Enterprise AI center seeks expansion through joint industry delivery
Within the Aston-Capgemini Centre of Excellence, successful fellows will join joint delivery teams working directly with global industry partners. The center operates at the intersection of academia and enterprise, with a stated focus on socio-technical challenges surrounding AI adoption and assurance.
Garcia Perez wrote that the fellowships offer “an ideal platform to join the Aston-Capgemini Centre of Excellence.” He added that the center is “focusing entirely on the socio-technical challenges of AI adoption, governance and trusted assurance.”
The structure of the roles signals an attempt to embed researchers within applied, industry-facing AI projects rather than positioning them solely within traditional academic departments.
Up to 10 posts open across disciplines as university widens scope
The university is offering up to 10 fellowships across a broad range of research areas, including business, management, law, social sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, biosciences, psychology, pharmacy, medicine, optometry, and applied health disciplines.
Applicants must have completed their PhD viva and had any corrections approved before starting. Fellows will receive training and development support and are expected to pursue external research funding during the fellowship.
Shortlisted candidates will present their research vision at panel interviews. An information webinar is scheduled for March 3.
Fellowship scheme aligns with Aston 2030 strategy
Aston positions the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize Fellowships as part of its Aston 2030 Strategy, which includes expanding research capacity and investing in talent.
For enterprise AI specifically, the scheme reflects a broader shift in how universities structure applied AI research. As governance, assurance, and responsible deployment move higher up enterprise and policy agendas, universities are increasingly formalizing partnerships that link academic research with live industry challenges.
Applications are open via the Aston Jobs portal.
ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
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