Research Associate

Role

Research Associate (TRACE)

Department: School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems

Grade: 6/7 (£33,020 - £36,654)

Responsible to: Principal Investigator

Campus: Derry~Londonderry

Reference: 042467

(Full-Time, fixed term to 30th June 2029)

- ABOUT US -

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.

- THE ROLE -

Ulster University has secured €5.89m in funding through the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the SEUPB, to lead the TRACE project. TRACE is a cross-border project aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and sustainability of the Products of Animal Origin (POAO) supply chain. The project will develop and apply a suite of advanced technologies to optimise key processes across the POAO value chain. This includes the use of multimodal imaging techniques, such as computer vision and hyperspectral imaging, alongside Internet of Things sensors that will continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature, humidity and food quality in real time. The data captured through the deployment of these technologies will support more efficient, transparent, and sustainable supply chain operations. To encourage adoption and maximise impact, TRACE will also establish a cross-border innovation hub offering both virtual and face-to-face support to SMEs. The hub will serve as a central resource for SMEs operating across the POAO supply chain and the wider agri-food sector, providing tools, guidance, and demonstrations to help them explore and implement innovative, technology-driven solutions that improve competitiveness and sustainability.

- ABOUT YOU -

• A degree or higher qualification in Computing, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technology-focused discipline (sensor technologies, IoT) or equivalent.
• Practical and demonstrable experience in developing and implementing hardware / firmware solutions.
• Experience in project risk management, including developing and maintaining risk registers, implementing mitigation strategies, and escalating risks appropriately.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, project management tools (e.g., Trello, the PEACEPLUS JEMs system, The INTERREG EMS system, etc.), and data visualisation software (e.g. Power BI).
• Willingness to travel regularly across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including peripheral and rural areas with limited public transport, as required by the needs of the role.