Houlden Fellow (Research Fellow) (111189-0126)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Joe Nandhakumar, Professor of Information Systems at isma@wbs.ac.uk

The Information Systems Management and Analytics (ISMA) Group at Warwick Business School is delighted to invite applications for the position of WBS Houlden Fellow, beginning in the 2026/27 academic year. This is a fixed-term, 24-month postdoctoral role, aimed at outstanding early-career researchers who are seeking to develop a strong academic trajectory within a dynamic, supportive, and internationally recognised research environment. The ISMA Group brings together a vibrant and growing community of researchers working at the cutting edge of AI, digital innovation and business analytics. Our research spans a wide spectrum, including AI and algorithmic transformation, digital platforms and ecosystems, financial technologies, and the societal impacts of digital work. On the analytics side, our work covers the full data lifecycle—from creation and storage, through machine learning and AI-driven prediction, to data-enabled automation, decision-making, and policy impact. We are also home to several successful master’s programmes, including Management of Information Systems & Digital Innovation (MISDI) and Business Analytics and AI, and the newly launched MSc in Financial Technologies.

About You

As a Houlden Fellow, you will become an active member of this intellectually rich and collaborative group. The role is designed to support your career development, with time dedicated to three core areas: (1) progressing their own research agenda; (2) supporting current WBS research activity and (3) gaining valuable teaching experience. All Houlden Fellows will benefit from the mentoring of a Professorial colleague, to help them develop their academic careers, over the two-year period and have their own budget for research and travel. This role offers the chance to engage in a collegiate, constructive, and developmental research culture. Our group is proud to foster an environment that values transparency, openness, and feedback. We aim to support talented, enthusiastic researchers who are ready to build their profile and contribute meaningfully to both research and teaching within a world-class institution. Preference may be given to candidates that will complement the existing strengths in the School; and bridge between existing areas of expertise in the School. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow , at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

This is an exciting opportunity to join Warwick Business School at a time of strategic growth in analytics and digital innovation. We welcome applications from individuals who are ready to engage, contribute, and thrive within a community committed to academic excellence and positive impact.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/. World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: 1st September

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Houlden Fellow - Information Systems Management and Analytics (111189).pdf – 81KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.