Research Fellow in Business

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Institution: University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) – Nottingham University Business School China
Reference Number: 184429
Location: Ningbo, China
Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term, 2 years
Closing Date: January 11, 2026
Salary: 269,906 RMB per annum (pro-rata for part-time/short-term contracts)
Research Funding: RMB 50,000 available post-appointment

Project Overview

  • Title: Artificial Intelligence applications in banking system (credit risk)

  • Objective: Develop a credit default forecasting system using:

    • Machine learning models (neural networks, XGBoost)

    • Age-period-cohort (APC) analysis

    • Stress testing

  • Goal: Support banks and financial institutions in risk management and inform policy-making.

  • Foundation: Non-linear survival models combined with machine learning (novel in credit risk modeling).

Key Responsibilities

  • Formulate research objectives and proposals (individual and team-based)

  • Conduct data analysis and interpret findings

  • Publish research and present at conferences

  • Identify funding opportunities and assist with grant proposals

  • Build internal and external collaborations

Candidate Requirements

  • PhD within 3 years in:

    • Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence

    • Credit Risk Modeling

    • Operations Optimization Modeling

  • Strong programming skills in Python (Pandas, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, Flask)

  • Ability to apply research approaches creatively

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (Chinese is a plus)

  • Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners

Team Information

  • Lead: Dr. Hang Zhou – Assistant Professor in Finance, UNNC

  • Co-lead: Dr. Anthony Bellotti – Professor, Computer Science, UNNC

  • Focused on machine learning applications in finance, credit risk, and empirical asset pricing

Application Instructions

Enquiries: Hang.Zhou@nottingham.edu.cn

Apply