Junior Agentic AI Engineer
Faculty/Service: IT Services
Reporting To: Lead Developer
This new full-time post is available from the 13th July until 31 January 2028 on an 18-month fixed term basis.
The starting salary will be from £30,628 on Grade D, depending on qualifications and experience.
This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus in Exeter and some from home.
About you
Are you passionate about the transformative power of AI and digital technology? Do you want to help shape the future of higher education, research, and professional services? We’re looking for a Junior Agentic AI Engineer to join our Software Engineering Team and play a key role in delivering the University of Exeter’s 2030 strategy.
As a Junior Agentic AI Engineer, you will work on the design, development, and optimisation of AI and agentic applications that enhance productivity, streamline services, and enrich education and research. You’ll work collaboratively across education, research, and operations, delivering initiatives aligned with our Enabling AI Strategy and AI Policy.
What You’ll Do
- Work on the development and optimisation of AI applications and agentic tools that enhance university services and operations.
- Embed AI agents into existing platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Moodle) using secure APIs and integrations.
- Collaborate with IT and Digital colleagues, academic leads, service owners, and external partners to create innovative AI solutions.
- Maintain documentation for agent design, logic, inputs/outputs, and monitoring processes.
- Support ongoing monitoring of technology performance, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Contribute to technical documentation, risk assessments, and data protection impact assessments.
- Test for performance, inclusivity, accessibility, and compliance, working closely with Security, Information Governance, and HR.
- Communicate the value and impact of AI and digital services to senior stakeholders.
- Stay up to date with industry advancements and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
We’re Looking For…
- Degree-level education (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field.
- Experience with at least one cross-platform development framework (React Native or Flutter preferred).
- Demonstrable coding abilities.
- Understanding responsible AI principles.
- Experience with AI tools such as CoPilot Studio, AWS Bedrock, OpenAI, or similar platforms.
- Experience maintaining technical documentation.
- Good communication skills and the ability to explain complex AI concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work in agile teams and contribute to iterative delivery.
- Commitment to ethical AI use, user empowerment, and community engagement.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please don't hesitate in applying, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Are you convinced, but find you don't 100% fit the profile? Feel free to send us your application anyway! We look forward to growing with you!
Further information
Additional background screening will be required for this role.
Please be advised that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have a visa which permits the right to work in the UK. Further details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are an existing Skilled Worker visa holder, we may be able to sponsor and will review the transitional arrangements - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Why our colleagues love working here
- Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
- Generous annual leave (39-41 days including bank holidays)
- Competitive pension contributions
- A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues – see initiatives here
- Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
