Research Fellow for the EPSRC DECaDE Centre (053825)

Surrey Business School is a leading business school with over 120 academic staff members from around the globe, and a highly cohesive and collegial atmosphere. The School is accredited by AACSB, AMBA and holds the Advance HE Athena SWAN bronze award. We inspire positive change in business and society, individuals and organisations, locally and globally by blending the rigour of high-quality impactful research with excellent teaching and the strengths of a technology-led university. We are ranked in the top 10 for business and economics in the United Kingdom by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 by subject. Our results in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 place us 19th overall in the UK, 10th in the UK for research outputs and 16th in the UK for research impact. 

The School’s strengths are particularly in digital innovation and technological transformation, international business, leadership and organizational psychology, and business analytics. Set in the beautiful countryside of Surrey with the convenience of bustling Guildford on your doorstep and London just 34 minutes away by train, the University of Surrey is an outstanding international University with an enterprising spirit. The School runs a full range of programmes including undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA programmes, as well as a PhD programme. The School works closely with a network of business partners and other stakeholders, maintaining strong links with many technology-oriented start-ups and established firms in London, and the South-East of England. For further information, please visit the SBS website.

We seek a post-doctoral Research Fellow for the EPSRC Next Stage Digital Economy Centre in the Decentralised Digital Economy (DECaDE), to work with Prof Glenn Parry and Dr Felipe Merlano, based in the Business School. We would like a candidate with expertise in the digital economy, copyright/IP, AI, blockchain, or technology adoption. The position is part of a major cross-disciplinary Centre – www.decade.ac.uk

GOALS OF THE POSITION

Within the DECaDE project, this Research Fellow position will work on a project co-created with business and computer science. The theme is specifically:

The AI data supply chain, particularly how data is captured to develop and operate AI models and the rewards given to data providers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities of the position will be to:

Lead the research project, specifically undertaking research and developing relationships with academic and industry Publish journal articles at ABS 3/4, building on current skills

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

A PhD in Business and Management, Economics or related subjects to the call, as well as a high degree of organisation and ability to plan and manage your studies, are essential. A knowledge of AI data supply chain, process mapping, data analytics, economic modelling, or a useful area of business theory is needed. Previous experience in some of the business and management areas related to the project, which may include business, engineering management, and the development of DLT, blockchain, IP, cryptocurrency, or software services, is desirable.

Technical expertise already exists within the group on the specifics of the science and software, so we do not seek a coder/programmer/software designer. 

Previous academic experience publishing in academic journals in an applicable area of academia is highly desirable. You must know the business and management academic literature and be familiar with relevant CABS/FT list publications.

Given the broad cross-disciplinary nature of the project, it is expected that the researcher would spend time visiting partners and working closely with the researchers at these institutes. 

If you would like to discuss the position informally, please email Prof Glenn Parry via g.parry@surrey.ac.uk

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

In addition to salary, you will receive a generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

WHEN WILL YOU START?

Ideally early January 2026, or as soon as possible after offer. The end date is fixed to 30th June 2026.

Ideally, candidates will be within easy commuting distance of the University to enable attendance at meetings.

As part of the selection process, interviewees will give a 10 min presentation on how they will undertake the project and why they have the skills suitable.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Closing Date: 27 Nov 2025

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £37,694 to £39,906 per annum
Fixed Term (- June 2026)