"Research Fellow"

Role Description

We welcome applications from passionate, skilled and committed researchers to join our team to contribute to addressing the technological advancements necessary to create safer, more resilient environments, improve public health and security, and understand the role and impact of bioaerosols on public and planetary health.

About the Role

The research fellow position is funded through the Biodetection Technologies Hub, funded by Research England and led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with Cranfield University, the University of Leeds, and the University of Manchester.

Our aim in this project is to study the potential to analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as an extension to existing field-based aerosol measurements. You will develop modifications to existing aerosol sampling technologies and employ quantitative laboratory analytical techniques to determine levels of VOCs present within sampled aerosols and the surrounding air. This will generate the foundational evidence to support further research on field-deployable technologies for phase-specific measurement of VOCs.

About You

You will possess a doctoral degree or equivalent in a science or engineering discipline related to aerosol and trace gas / VOC analysis (Chemistry, Physics, Atmospheric Science, or Environmental Science). As a self-motivated individual, you will be capable of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams as well as working independently to develop innovative methodologies that contribute to new knowledge and understanding of bioaerosols- specific volatile markers.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Zaheer Nasar, Reader in Atmospheric Aerosols, on (T): +44 (0) 1234 75 4584 or (E): z.a.nasar@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5122.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 22 October 2025

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.