The Post
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS
KTP Associate: Data Scientist (Engagement Analytics) Associate
Kortext and University of Stirling
Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Fixed term for 24 months
Salary: £50,000 p.a.
Location: Hybrid role with key attendance at both businesses, with primary focus on our partnership based at Kortext Ltd, 2nd Floor, Loewy House, Aviation Park West, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6EW
The University of Stirling’s Marketing, Entrepreneurship and People subject group at the University of Stirling Business School is seeking an ambitious and talented KTP Associate to join a 24-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with our partner Kortext, a global leader in digital learning and student engagement solutions.
This exciting role offers the chance to embed cutting-edge academic thinking into commercial practice, supporting the evolution of Kortext stream into a second-generation engagement intelligence and analytics platform designed to support successful student outcomes through maximising student retention.
Description of Duties
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct Diagnostic and Competitor Analysis - undertake a comprehensive review of Stream 1.0 and analyse competitor approaches to establish a robust technical and commercial foundation for future development
- Design and Develop the Stream 2.0 Framework - create a proprietary, research-led framework that identifies, measures and operationalises student engagement risk indicators
- Build Predictive Modelling Solutions - translate psychological and behavioural research into observable data signals, computational logic and scalable predictive models
- Lead Research-to-Model Implementation - establish a structured pipeline that converts academic research findings into commercially viable and technically robust solutions
- Validate and Optimise Processes - develop and implement scalable validation processes to ensure models are accurate, reliable, actionable and aligned with institutional practices
- Drive Business Integration and Stakeholder Alignment - work closely with Kortext, higher education institutions and internal stakeholders to ensure Stream 2.0 delivers meaningful customer value and is fully embedded within operational processes
- Manage Academic Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange - collaborate with University of Stirling academics, contributing to research dissemination, knowledge transfer activities, publications and conference presentations
Essential Criteria
Essential Skills and Attributes:
- Masters (or equivalent) or bachelor's degree in a quantitative subject (mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science)
- An ability/aptitude to develop algorithms and use tools and software relating to data science
- An ability to interpret and analyse data, draw conclusions and make recommendations
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate and relate to a variety of professionals at different levels
- Ability to explain complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
- Evidence of commitment to new skill development and continuous learning
- Demonstrable ability to self-manage complex tasks and deadlines
Desirable Criteria
Desirable Skills and Attributes:
- A PhD in a highly quantitative discipline (mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science)
- Experience of using a wide range of research methodologies (including qualitative approaches) in developing research projects
- Experience of project management
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS
KTP Associate: Data Scientist (Engagement Analytics) Associate
Kortext and University of Stirling
Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Fixed term for 24 months
Salary: £50,000 p.a.
Location: Hybrid role with key attendance at both businesses, with primary focus on our partnership based at Kortext Ltd, 2nd Floor, Loewy House, Aviation Park West, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6EW
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 06 December 2026
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 06 January 2027.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances. For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
- Managing self and personal skillsBeing aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
- Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
- Finding solutionsTaking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
- Embracing changeBeing open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
- Using resources effectivelyIdentifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
- Engaging with the wider contextEnhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
- Developing self and othersShowing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
- Working togetherWorking collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
- Achieving ResultsConsistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
About Us
The Stirling Business School (SBS) at the University of Stirling is a centre of academic excellence that offers innovative, practical courses in business and management combined with research that makes a difference to business and society.
We place sustainable and responsible business at the heart of our educational outlook, underpinned by world-class research. We are interdisciplinary by nature, bringing innovative solutions to real world issues. We are integrated into the local business community and act as a hub for knowledge creation and exchange, and we are proud that our industry collaborations and global partnerships benefit students, businesses and the community. We have close links with industry and a range of professional accreditations and memberships with leading management education bodies. All of this helps ensure our teaching is relevant in the real world and tailored towards the University of Stirling’s aim to ‘be the difference’.
We are a member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools; the European Foundation for Management Development, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and are signatories to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/stirling-business-school/
About Kortext
Founded in 2013, Kortext is a global leader in digital learning and student engagement solutions. We support institutions worldwide with our AI-powered, cutting-edge content discovery and study products, market-leading learner analytics, and streamlined workflows.
Our mission is simple: to help every student fulfil their potential. We’re growing quickly and looking for passionate individuals who share our vision. You’ll join a team that collaborates with our education partners across the globe, working together to make a difference.
The University
The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.
The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.
Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University-led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk
@stiruni


