University of Warwick
Research Fellow (111160-0726)
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About The Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Professor Marina Cole at Marina.Cole@warwick.ac.uk.
Contract Duration
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract for up to 30 months ending no later than 31 August 2029. Contract duration will depend on agreed salary due to restricted budget.
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time at a minimum of 3 working days a week (22.5 hours per week) or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
You will play a key role in delivering the EC Horizon project “senseApest.”
Working closely with the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, and international partners, you will conduct both independent and collaborative research, contributing to the project’s technical development and scientific outputs.
You will be responsible for preparing your research for publication, producing clear project reports, and helping to ensure that milestones and deadlines are met. The role also involves supporting day-to-day project management and addressing any administrative or operational issues that arise.
Based primarily at the University of Warwick’s School of Engineering laboratories, you will also travel regularly to partner facilities—particularly in France—for meetings, testing activities, and collaborative work.
SenseApest will address challenges in the current plant inspection process which is labor-intensive by screening imported plant material systematically and efficiently with a non-contact portable detection unit (PDU), based on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Plants release VOCs in response to pest attacks, while pests emit their own distinctive VOCs. senseApest will exploit these VOC biomarkers to develop a high throughput PDU equipped with VOC sensors, an algorithm, and a database.
The PDU will enable rapid (<15 min), non-invasive, and non-destructive screening of imported plant material for serious pests. Ultimately, the PDU is intended to be a cost-effective, user-friendly, adaptable, and efficient tool for plant health inspectors during import controls. Further information can be found here: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101181582.
About You
You will have a PhD (or nearing completion) in electronic engineering, ideally with experience in analogue electronics, mixed signal IC (ASIC) design, silicon or CMOS sensors, or RF design. Ideally, you will also possess quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments.
You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills that enable you to communicate clearly, work effectively with colleagues and external partners, and contribute positively to team and School activities.
Organised, self-motivated, and technically adept, you use IT confidently to prepare papers, presentations, and technical documentation. You manage your time well, engage constructively with the wider academic community, and bring an inclusive and professional approach to your work.
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For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
About The Department
The University aims to promote work-life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.
The School of Engineering is a great place to work: we offer competitive salaries on a grading structure that provides annual incremental progression, plus a generous annual leave entitlement. As well as competitive salaries, we offer attractive pension schemes with excellent employer contributions and various staff recognition awards. We are also committed to helping you to fulfil your potential through a range of career development opportunities.
The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation, and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link: Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026
Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply
Closing Deadline: Monday 17 August 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)*
To apply, please click APPLY below and submit an application form by the closing deadline.
You will be asked to include a CV and Cover Letter. These documents should:
- Outline employment and education history (including your most recent employment).
- Demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description using clear examples.
Please ensure your application clearly evidences the essential criteria, as the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application if these are not demonstrated.
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Interview Date: To be Confirmed
Start Date: 01 September 2026
Please do not attach any additional document in your applications other than the required ones.
Applications must be submitted through the warwick-careers.tal.net portal before the closing deadline. We recommend completing your application form in good time, as the advert will automatically close at the deadline.
You are welcome to include any career breaks, such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, or long-term sickness absence. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.
What we Offer
We Provide a Comprehensive Range of Benefits, Including
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.
Find out more about our awards and accreditations.
We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Safeguarding & DBS
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders
The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.
Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.
Job Description
JD - Research Fellow (111808).pdf – 93KB Opens in a new window
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK: here
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