DescriptionDuration: 12 months
Start Date: September 2025
End Date: August 2026
Deadline:15th May 2025
Birmingham City University (BCU) a leading institution committed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) invites applications for three PostDoctoral Research Fellowships in Digital Transformation Artificial Intelligence and Smart Cities as part of a prestigious grant awarded under the UKs International Science Partnerships Fund Early Career Fellowships programme. The British Council funded International Science Partnerships Fund puts research and innovation at the heart of our international relationships supporting UK researchers and innovators to work with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet health tech and talent.
About the Fellowship
This fellowship provides an opportunity for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from South Korea to engage with worldleading experts at Birmingham City University. The programme is designed to enhance understanding of research methodologies interdisciplinary collaboration and practical applications in the fields of Smart Cities and Health.
Research Themes
Fellows will work within BCUs transformative research environment focusing on:
- Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities: Developing responsible and innovative AIdriven urban solutions.
- Data Science and Digital Transformation: Enhancing efficiency sustainability and resilience in urban development.
- Healthy and Sustainable Living Environments: Exploring the intersection of technology health and urban planning.
Key Activities and Opportunities
Fellows will engage in a variety of research and academic activities including:
- Observing and contributing to research projects across the faculty of Computing Engineering and Built Environment (CEBE).
- Participating in Faculty Research Groups and collaborative research groups to exchange knowledge and expertise.
- Attending research seminars interdisciplinary team meetings and faculty discussions.
- Delivering research presentations seminars and workshops on Smart Cities AI and healthrelated topics.
- Collaborating with BCUs FUSE (Forum for University Students and Employers) engaging with industry mentors to enhance employability and realworld research impact.
Academic Leadership
Fellows will work under the supervision of internationally recognised experts in their fields:
Dr. Muhammad Afzal(Senior Lecturer Lead of Big Data Analytics): Dr. Afzal is an AI and data science expert with a strong research portfolio spanning AI applications in computing healthcare and smart environments. He has over extensive research publications and extensive experience in collaborating with South Korean institutions on cuttingedge AI projects.
Dr. Mohammad Mayouf(Associate Professor Head of Digital Built Environment): Dr. Mayouf specialises in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital processes that support sustainable lowemission urban development. His research integrates complex data solutions to enhance decisionmaking in construction and smart infrastructure projects.
What does the fellowship offer
This fellowship is funded by a grant award and therefore includes the following:
- Salary: 42860 (for 12months fellowship)
- Research Related expenses up to 10000 per 12 months
- Return economyclass travel from South Korea to the UK (this will not reimburse costs for dependents).
- Costs for ECCTIS/IELTS fee if applicable
- Costs for visa and IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
- Access to BCUs research facilities industry networks and mentoring support.
- Opportunities for professional development and future research collaboration.
What logistical and welfare support will I receive
- Support before arrival including for visa application and flight booking
- Guidance to arrange accommodation/housing in Birmingham
- General information about adapting to living in the UK
Please see the following video for more information:Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Digital Transformation Artificial Intelligence and Smart Cities
Eligibility
Early Career Researchers (ECRs) have completed or are close to completion of their PhD potentially waiting for their final viva voce examination which must be passed prior to taking up the award. ECRs will not have held a permanent academic post or a permanent post with a researchrelated element or one which allowed them to supervise PhD students or submit research grants as a principal investigator. Time spent in teachingonly roles or academic related roles does not affect ECR status provided no research element was part of the role. If a researcher does not hold a PhD but has research experience equivalent to a PhD holder and works in a field where a PhD is not a prerequisite for established research activity they can still be considered eligible. Participants from forprofit organisations cannot be funded. As we move toward greater inclusivity for ECRs from a wide range of backgrounds we are no longer counting years spent in a specific career stage. Career breaks and alternative trajectories to an early academic career are all considered outside the definition of career stage.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be apermanent resident of South Korea
- Not be from aforprofitorganisation.
- Agree tomaintain contactwith the British Council for purposes of monitoring and evaluation during and after their fellowship.
- Demonstrate a plan and a passion to engage other early career researchers from their home country.
- Have a strong research background and interest in international collaboration.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (spoken and written).
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete this online application which includes applicant information short sections about your experience and interests and the requirement to upload:
- A detailed CV (maximum 3 pages).
- Cover letter
- Two academic reference letters.
Note: Interviews will take place online in late May or early June 2025.
For information about the recruitment please get in touch with the project lead and supervisor.
- Dr. Muhammad Afzal:
- Dr. Mohammed Mayouf:
Please click the below link to download the Job Description:
Job DescriptionResearch Fellow
