KTP Associate in Multimodal Content Analytics, Machine Learning, and Rule-Based Generative AI

Aston Digital Futures Institute

The project aims to implement the latest advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop a novel Intelligent Insurance Fraud Detection System (IIFDS). This will identify high-risk behaviours and patterns enabling the early detection of potentially fraudulent activity to transform Domestic and General (D&G)'s approach to insurance fraud.

Key areas of focus include:

• Building risk-scoring models based on internal and external data to flag high risk individuals and/or claims early – potentially refusing sales or charging higher premiums
• Network analytics: developing models to tie together individual and device details with the aim of identifying duplicate accounts (currently being used to mask fraudulent activity)
• Call transcript analytics- to identify fraud indicators from customer phone calls and build Generative AI (Gen-AI) models to flag these indicators from transcripts.
• Creating a fraud detection ecosystem which expedites the work of operational teams.

The project will apply the latest AI techniques in a transformative way for D&G, innovative to the industry, by mitigating risk and fraud in insurance claims and improving operational efficiency

Candidate Profile: PhD in a relevant AI discipline, or minimally an MSc in AI related discipline with significant, demonstrable commercial or research experience in a related field.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Robust knowledge in data science, machine learning (ML), and predictive analytics particularly in NLP
• Experience using rule-based Generative AI (Gen-AI) models.
• A proven background of working with large datasets, and exposure to commercial environments.
• Knowledge of Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework
• Significant experience in solving language-based problems.
• Industry experience alongside relevant academic background
• Effective interpersonal skills across a range of stakeholders from engineering / technical staff to clients and non-experts

 Desirable: 

• Knowledge of network analytics and voice analytics
• User centric Graphical User interface (GUI) and User Experience
• Producing academic publications of the highest standards
• Technical writing and reporting
• Skills in project management

Personal attributes:

• An aptitude to learn and solve technical challenges.
• The capability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Effective communication skills for transferring technology insights from Aston into D&G.
• Strong skills in documentation, report writing and presenting for a range of audiences
• Project management skills with the ability to develop workplans and work to deadlines

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £6,000 for professional and personal development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave allocation 
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing 
• Career prospects: 60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Domestic & General Insurance Plc and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. 

To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: Domestic & General (D&G) has been a trusted provider of aftercare insurance for millions of domestic appliances e.g. boiler and heating/white goods etc for more than 100 years. It is the UK's leading provider of appliance breakdown protection via access to a network of expert engineers (both independent and specific to appliance manufacturers) with unlimited repairs, including replacement of goods beyond economic repair.

More about the company: https://www.domesticandgeneral.com/ 

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Amal Htait and Prof Abdul Sadka at Aston University and the Senior Management Team at D&G with the support of the IUK-Business Connect Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

Location: You will be based predominantly at D&G in London. Some travel to Aston University in Birmingham and key clients across the UK may be required. The company has adopted a hybrid working mode, but you will be expected to work on site for at least 2 days a week. 

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Amal Htait, e-mail: a.htait@aston.ac.uk 

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/ 

This role is likely to meet the criteria for endorsement under the ‘Endorsed Funder’ route of the Global Talent visa. The Global Talent visa route is available for talented and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities. Please see the published Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent. 

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk