About the Role
An exciting opportunity to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate as part of a collaboration project between Nissan Technical Centre Europe Ltd and Cranfield University. The project will focus on the development of a Virtual Testing Assistant (VTA) that integrates ontologies, knowledge graphs, and AI models to support Nissan’s digital transformation in vehicle testing.
Your role will lead the design and development of the Virtual Testing Assistant (VTA), a tool that will help to accelerate the shift from traditional physical testing development towards smarter, simulation-driven approaches. You will work closely with teams at Nissan and Cranfield University, bringing together data management, semantic modelling, ontologies, and advanced AI tools such as Large Language Models (LLMs). The VTA will help identify optimal test scenarios, reduce unnecessary repetition, enhance simulation workflows, and improve test planning so vehicle development can be faster and more efficient.
About You
You will hold an MSc (with a First Class undergraduate degree) or a PhD (or be close to completion) in a STEM discipline such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or Artificial Intelligence.
This role requires strong programming skills (e.g. in Python), along with knowledge of machine learning and data modelling. Experience of delivering AI or data-driven projects is essential. Familiarity with ontologies (e.g. OWL), knowledge graphs (e.g. Neo4j, GraphDB), and system integration tools (e.g. APIs, SPARQL) would be highly desirable.
You should have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply systems thinking to complex engineering data challenges. You will be self-motivated, adaptable, and confident communicating across both academic and industrial teams. Knowledge of engineering simulation workflows or automotive systems would be an advantage.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced digital and AI tools in a real-world automotive R&D environment, and to contribute to meaningful innovation within a global organisation.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Cranfield Manufacturing, Materials and Design community focuses on niche postgraduate research, education, and consultancy, bringing together design, materials technology, and management expertise to create smart, clean, and green solutions with Net Zero UK 2050 in mind. The Centre for Design and Digital Engineering specialises in the integration of advanced digital technologies in engineering practice, combining data science, simulation, AI, and digital twinning to support industry-led innovation in design, testing and development. Find out more at Cranfield Centre for Digital Engineering and Manufacturing.
Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) is Nissan’s European R&D hub, based in the UK and Spain and employing people from many countries. The Test and Design teams based here work to engineer requirements and designs for new car models for Europe and global markets. You will be based at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield and work closely with Nick Robinson (Nissan supervisor), and with Professor John Erkoyuncu and Dr Christina Latsou at Cranfield University.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to our work. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides opportunities to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
An individual currently or previously employed by Nissan, except in an Industrial Placement role, would not be eligible for the KTP Associate role. Individuals who have already been a KTP Associate would not be considered an ideal candidate.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Christina Latsou, Lecturer in Smart Manufacturing, on (T): +44 1234 754972 or (E): Christina.Latsou@cranfield.ac.uk
Apply online now. Please contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk for further details. Please quote reference number 5133.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 26 October 2025
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
This partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.
Seniority level
* Not Applicable
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Engineering, Research, and Other
* Higher Education
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