Research Fellow

Queen's University Belfast - Engineering and Technology

About the job

To lead the technical development, optimisation, validation, and field deployment of a smart optical nitrate sensor platform within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast. The post holder will support the progression of the technology from TRL 4/5 to TRL 6/7 under the Invest NI Proof of Concept (PoC) Stage 2 programme, ensuring robust analytical validation, prototype refinement, and preparation for commercialisation via spin-out or licensing.

The role will combine advanced analytical chemistry, microfluidic systems development, and applied environmental testing with translational activity including prototype deployment, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory validation support. The post holder will work closely with the Academic Lead, Delivery Lead, QUBIS Commercialisation Manager, and external partners to de-risk the technology across technical and commercial dimensions.

About the person

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Have or about to obtain a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Recent relevant research experience to include:
  • Demonstrable expertise in instrumental analytical techniques (e.g. ion chromatography, spectroscopy, or related methods).
  • Demonstrable familiarity with technology translation,commercialisation of research, or similar entrepreneurial activity.
  • Experience in method development, validation, and quantitative data analysis.
  • Experience working with complex sample matrices (e.g. environmental waters, agricultural runoff, wastewater).
  • Strong data handling and statistical analysis capability.
  • Publication record commensurate with stage of career

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This post is available for 21 months or until 31st January 2028. whichever is soonest. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.