Research Fellow (111160-1225)

For informal enquiries, please contact Marina Cole, Professor, at marina.cole@warwick.ac.uk 

This is a full time, fixed-term contract for 30 months ending no later than 31.8.2029.

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 labour 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 

Flexible Working

• We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. silicon or CMOS sensors, RF design, mixed signal IC (ASIC) with a good bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management and IT skills.

You will possess quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments. The ability to design and characterise sensors for VOC detection where the knowledge of chemical sensors, interface circuitry, in particular RF IC design using Cadence, microcontrollers, signal & data processing (AI) will constitute a distinct advantage.

You 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.

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).

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 (30 days per annum for this role, plus four customary shut down days over Christmas, and eight statutory bank holidays).  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

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th 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 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 5th January 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 a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: 1st March 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

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.

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.