University of Warwick
Research Fellow (111808-0626)
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About The Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Professor James Covington at j.a.covington@warwick.ac.uk
We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to support the BioMedical Sensors Laboratory in the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick. The laboratory develops and applies artificial olfaction, electronic nose technologies, gas-phase analysis and chemical sensing approaches across biomedical, environmental, agricultural, food and industrial applications.
You will play a central role in the day-to-day delivery of laboratory and applied research studies. This will include running analytical and sensor-based equipment, preparing and collecting samples, maintaining clear study records, supporting quality control, organising data and helping the team deliver robust, reproducible research outputs.
This is an opportunity to work in a collaborative and well-equipped research environment, and contribute to an interdisciplinary and applied research environment using advanced VOC analysis, gas-phase analytical instrumentation and chemical sensing technologies. The role will make an important contribution to projects with real-world applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, agriculture, food quality, product assessment and wider sensor-based research.
The successful candidate will work with Professor James Covington, colleagues in the BioMedical Sensors Laboratory, students and external collaborators from academic, clinical and industry settings. They will be a valued member of the laboratory team and will help ensure that studies are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high technical standard through careful sample handling, instrument operation, quality control, data organisation and clear communication with colleagues and partners.
This post is based at the University of Warwick campus in Coventry. Some work may involve off-campus sample collection, visits to collaborators or occasional out-of-hours activity depending on study requirements. Additionally, occasional weekend, evening and overseas working may be required to support School activities (eg: offer holder days and outreach activities). In turn the School offers flexible working where possible.
Please note, this is a post funded by the University to specifically support the research activities aligned to the expertise of Professor James Covington during his tenure as the Head of the School of Engineering. Funding for this role is dependent on Professor Covington remaining as Head of School and employed by the University of Warwick for the entirety of this FTC.
About You
We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry etc.
The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field of volatile organic compound analysis, analytical chemistry, or chemical sensing,
You will have sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques related to VOC analysis of samples from a wide range of sources. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in analytical methods and research techniques relevant to the detection and interpretation of VOCs in complex sample types. Experience using and trouble shooting platforms such as GC-MS, GC-IMS, TOF-MS, or related analytical technologies (such as electronic noses) is expected.
You will be able to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, both within and outside the University, to promote a collegial environment, while contributing to the life and community of the School through various duties, such as supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which may occasionally require weekend work.
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You will possess quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments. The ability to code in Python or chemometric/statistical analysis would be advantageous.
Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is essential.
You will be organised, reliable and able to manage several tasks at once, including instrument scheduling, sample workflows, study documentation and data checks. You will also be able to communicate clearly and work constructively with academic, technical, clinical, administrative and industry colleagues.
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
We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry etc.
The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field of volatile organic compound analysis, analytical chemistry, or chemical sensing,
You will have sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques related to VOC analysis of samples from a wide range of sources. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in analytical methods and research techniques relevant to the detection and interpretation of VOCs in complex sample types. Experience using and trouble shooting platforms such as GC-MS, GC-IMS, TOF-MS, or related analytical technologies (such as electronic noses) is expected.
You will be able to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, both within and outside the University, to promote a collegial environment, while contributing to the life and community of the School through various duties, such as supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which may occasionally require weekend work.
You will possess quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments. The ability to code in Python or chemometric/statistical analysis would be advantageous.
Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is essential.
You will be organised, reliable and able to manage several tasks at once, including instrument scheduling, sample workflows, study documentation and data checks. You will also be able to communicate clearly and work constructively with academic, technical, clinical, administrative and industry colleagues.
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.
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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:
Sunday 26th July 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.**
Interview Date: To be confirmed Start Date: 1 August 2026
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
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