Research Assistant - Artificial Intelligence in Funding Development

We are seeking a skilled Research Assistant to support a study that explores the use of AI as a practical and responsible tool throughout the funding development process, from identifying suitable funding opportunities to supporting the preparation of competitive proposals. The involves working with Research Development processes and funder guidance. This position is ideal for someone with experience in the applications of AI to professional tasks. Familiarity with the UK Research and Innovation schemes and bidding processes would be an advantage.

This opportunity is specifically intended for current University of Salford PhD researchers in their first or second year of doctoral study, with an interest in collaborative and engaged research and a desire to develop their research, evaluation and partnership-building skills.

About the Project

The project aims to understand best practice in the use of AI in funding development, and to identify risks and limits of AI in these activities. The research assistant will be required to develop a library of research development AI prompts with guidance, and a best practice guide to the use of AI when writing different sections of a funding application. This project will support the upskilling of Salford’s researcher community in the application of AI to their bid development work.

Duties and responsibilities

Qualitative Data & Analysis

• Identifying, mapping and identifying best practice in AI use in funding development within the University and externally, primarily through desk research
• Producing a curated prompt library and guidance document containing tested prompts for identifying funding calls, summarising eligibility criteria, and matching opportunities to research interests across major funders
• Developing a practical toolkit demonstrating how AI can assist with drafting different sections of an application 
• Assisting in the development of resources for a training workshop or webinar

Skills and experience

Essential Skills & Experience

• Demonstrable experience with appropriate research methods, for example, user-experience research, process evaluation, AI applications, organizational studies
• Demonstrable experience in the use of generative AI tools within academic, professional or research settings, including the effective use of prompts and the critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs
• Ability to produce guidance and toolkits to support practical AI use
• Excellent written communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with research bid writing and UK funders, especially UKRI

Location
University of Salford