Area Opportunities at the University of Nottingham in Ningbo China
Location Ningbo
Salary £269,906 per annum pro rata for part-time/short-term contract
Closing Date Thursday 21 May 2026
Reference 184535
Prof. Alain Chong and Prof. Ying Weng are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the newly established Postdoctoral Research Station in Business Administration at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, contributing to the development of the university’s research agenda.
Your Responsibility
* Design and Develop Research: Formulate clear research objectives and contribute to the development of proposals for individual and collaborative projects, applying established and emerging methodologies to advance the research agenda.
* Conduct and Analyze Research: Collect, manage, and rigorously analyze complex datasets; interpret results; critically evaluate existing literature; and generate original insights that align with project goals.
* Disseminate Findings: Prepare high-quality manuscripts for submission to leading journals, present research at national and international conferences, and contribute to the visibility and impact of the research team.
* Secure Funding: Identify opportunities and contribute to the preparation of competitive grant applications to national and international funding bodies.
* Build Networks and Collaborations: Engage with internal colleagues and external partners (academic and industry) to exchange ideas, explore opportunities for collaboration, and establish partnerships that strengthen research outcomes.
About You
* Qualifications: PhD awarded within 3 years in business administration, computer science, information systems, data science, or a related discipline.
* Programming & Data Skills: Strong proficiency in Python (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow); additional experience with R, MATLAB, or Julia is an advantage.
* Machine Learning Expertise: Familiarity with causal machine learning, ensemble methods, and deep learning architectures (CNNs, RNNs). Experience with explainable AI (e.g., SHAP, LIME) is preferred.
* Quantitative Analysis: Demonstrated ability to handle multimodal datasets, conduct statistical analysis, and apply predictive modeling and validation techniques.
* Research & Publication: Skilled at critically reviewing literature, designing rigorous studies, and producing publications for high-impact journals.
* Collaboration & Communication: Excellent oral and written English communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly. Knowledge of Chinese is a plus. Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
* Practical Experience: Prior hands‑on research in AI applications / digital innovations in water ecological environment will be an asset.
About the Project
This project focuses on research in Explainable Artificial Intelligence and Causal Machine Learning, applied to the intelligent monitoring and early warning of key water ecological environment indices, including prediction and management tasks. A network of reservoirs forms the backbone of the region’s water resource infrastructure, playing an essential role in ensuring urban water supply, mitigating flood risks, and supporting agricultural irrigation. The project aims to improve prediction accuracy and uncover underlying cause‑effect relationships, thereby enabling transparent, reliable early warnings for sustainable water resources development.
Candidates are expected to submit a research proposal that builds on this project summary.
Your Remuneration, Benefits and Support
You will be offered a fixed‑term contract with University of Nottingham Ningbo China for 2 years, with a minimum annual salary package of RMB269,906 and a competitive benefits package. Postdoctoral Research Fellows may also apply for RMB50,000 research funding after they start their research.
How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application via the online application system before May 20 2026. Only online applications will be accepted. Referees will be contacted prior to interview and interviews will take place in Ningbo, China.
Applications Should Include
* A cover letter
* An up‑to‑date CV, including academic and research achievements
* A research proposal (Please refer to the attached project summary)
Enquiries
Informal enquiries regarding the research project may be addressed to Ying Weng (Ying.Weng@nottingham.edu.cn) or Alain Chong (Alain.Chong@nottingham.edu.cn). If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Human Resources Office, Tel: 86 574 88180000 (Ext. 8854).
Equality and Diversity
University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our intention to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities, and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, socio‑economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation, or other irrelevant distinction.
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