University of Edinburgh
Research Associate in Nanoscale Electrodeposition for Gas Sensing
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UE07 £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 per annum
CSE / School of Engineering / Institute for Bioengineering
Full Time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: 24 months
The Opportunity:
Where curiosity becomes impact
With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large.
We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation.
The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you.
Join the School of Engineering:
Join the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh as a Research Associate and play a leading role in pioneering the science of electro crystallisation for next-generation nanosensor materials and devices.
Based within the Institute for Bioengineering, you will contribute to an ambitious, interdisciplinary research programme that is advancing the fundamental science and engineering of electrodeposition to enable the scalable manufacture of high-performance nanosensors. This research seeks to uncover how molecular nucleation and crystallisation can be controlled at the nanoscale, providing unprecedented control over the location and morphology of molecular crystals to create functional sensing circuitry.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to work at the interface of materials science, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and microelectronics. You will design and conduct cutting-edge experiments, analyse and interpret complex datasets, disseminate your findings through high-quality publications and international conferences, and collaborate with leading academic partners in a dynamic, supportive, and intellectually stimulating research environment. The role offers an outstanding opportunity to develop your research profile while contributing to technologies with the potential to transform future sensing applications.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- A PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline
- Experience of laboratory-based research, with expertise in experimental techniques relevant to electrochemical techniques, nucleation and crystallisation science, chemical sensing, or related areas
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and effective engagement with multidisciplinary research teams
- Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet project milestones, and deliver high-quality outputs
- Excellent communication skills, including experience in writing reports or publications and presenting research findings to a range of audiences
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Why work for us:
People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Professional development and subject matter expertise
- Leading-edge research
- Excellent benefits and support
- Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.
How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research proposal (max 2 pages)
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 19 August 2026.
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About the University of Edinburgh:
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About the School of Engineering:
Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, growing rapidly in the last 5 years, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.
The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.
The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.£22.0M in 2020/21.
We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.
Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: www.eng.ed.ac.uk
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