University of the West of Scotland in Partnership with HF Group
Location: Glasgow
Salary: up to ÂŁ45,000 (depending on experience)
Full time: 41.5 hours per week
Fixed Term: 33 months
This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between The University of the West of Scotland and HF Group, a leading UK multi-discipline building services contractor, will support the company’s next phase of growth by transforming how information, processes, and data driven decisions flow across the organisation. The project will deliver HF CONNECT , an enterprise-wide digital ecosystem designed to streamline operations, improve productivity, and increase capacity for sustainable expansion. Using advanced AI technologies, including large language models and intelligent AI agents, the initiative will connect existing business systems and data to provide faster insight, better coordination, and more consistent decision-making to drive innovation.
What you’ll be doing:
Working closely with academic supervisors and HF Group stakeholders, the KTP Associate will play a central role in designing, developing, and deploying the AI capabilities that underpin HF CONNECT . The associate will apply full-stack AI engineering, including large language models, agentic AI, and emerging Model Context Protocol (MCP) approaches, to integrate data and workflows across systems such as tender management, procurement, safety, scheduling, and invoicing. Operating in a regulated, client-facing environment, they will deliver secure, compliant, and user-focused solutions that provide tangible efficiency gains. A key part of the role will be engaging and supporting staff through change - building trust in AI through clear communication, training, and demonstrable value - while balancing academic rigour with commercial pragmatism to ensure successful project delivery.
What we’re looking for:
Essential*:
- Minimum M.Sc./M.Eng. in Computing Science, AI, Data Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- Experience in programming (e.g. Python, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript).
- A working knowledge of using Large Language Models, open-source AI libraries and frameworks
- An understanding of database systems and integration (e.g. MySQL, NoSQL)
- Previous experience in technical writing and preparation of reports and documentation
Desirable*:
- Ph.D. in Computing Science, AI, Data Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- Experience integrating LLMs within applications using APIs, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning
- Experience with Retrieval Augment Generation (RAG) and/or Agentic AI Foundation projects (e.g. Model Context Protocol (MCP), and AGENTS.md)
What you’ll get:
- ÂŁ5000 personal training budget + access to national KTP leadership training.
- Dedicated support from both academic experts and senior company leaders.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
HF Group is one of the UK’s most distinguished multi-disciplinary contractors, boasting a legacy that spans over three centuries. Headquartered in Glasgow, with strategic bases in Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast, and Aberdeen, the Group has evolved from its 19th-century roots into a national leader in integrated building services. The organisation operates through a diverse but “well-connected” family of divisions, including Electrical, Mechanical, Fire and Security, Telecommunications, and Automated Controls. This structure allows HF Group to deliver comprehensive, in-house solutions ranging from large-scale infrastructure design to 24-hour reactive maintenance.
The company’s success is rooted in a unique balance of traditional family values and a commitment to technical excellence. Despite its national reach and a workforce of over 300 employees, the Group maintains a supportive, people-centric culture where staff are treated as their greatest asset. This is reflected in their significant investment in professional development and an industry-leading apprenticeship program.
Serving a prestigious client base that includes global brands in retail, hospitality, and healthcare, as well as major sporting and cultural venues, HF Group is recognised for its reliability and technical agility. Whether managing complex electrical fit-outs or installing next-generation telecommunications, the company leverages its cross-divisional expertise to meet the demands of the modern built environment. For an incoming KTP Associate, HF Group offers a stable, high-growth environment where heritage meets innovation, and where its core values of People, Quality, Safety, and Integrity guide every decision and action toward an ambitious vision for the future of engineering services.
About KTP:
This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK. It’s essential you understand how KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position.
The KTP program aims to help businesses in the UK to innovate and grow by linking them with academic or research institutions. This program supports the placement of a KTP Associate to work on a strategic project for a company, guided by both company and academic supervisors.
WHY UWS?
We support you - We are the only Scottish University to have a dedicated KTP centre, meaning you are fully supported throughout your time with the company by UWS staff.
We are growing - In 2019, UWS were the top performing University in the UK by value of secured KTP projects.
KTP is a strategic priority at UWS. The only Scottish University with a dedicated KTP Centre dedicated to supporting your KTP and professional development journey.
Interview Date: Friday 6th March
The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
