Research Assistant (612719)

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)
Term: Fixed Term (12 months)
Closing Date: 24 May 2024

We have an opportunity for an engaged and enthusiastic researcher to join our team on a project to develop a low cost sensor for smallholder farmers being implemented collaboratively by the University of Strathclyde, Kenyatta University and Glasgow School of Art. The aim of the project is to develop a novel, zero waste biosensor using locally available materials, to quantify nutrient concentrations in soil for smallholder farm communities in Kenya. The long-term impact of this project will provide in-country low cost soil fertility monitoring accessible to farmers at point of need. To achieve this goal, the project will use traditional printing processes, taken from the Art and Design field to create a sensing solution that can be deployed in resource constrained environments. You can read more about the project here.

To meet the terms of the grant we are looking for a researcher to develop sensor technologies in the UK, working for one year as a Research Assistant. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a commitment to continue developing the technology in Kenya after the one year research contract at Strathclyde. A further six months of employment is available to support this, directly through Kenyatta University.

In this role as a Research Assistant, your main tasks will be to conduct sensor development research activities as part of a team, working under the general supervision of Dr Andrew Ward and collaborators at Kenyatta University and Glasgow School of Art. You will be required to conduct laboratory work to develop a low cost printable sensor platform for measurement of nitrate and phosphate in soil samples. You will be responsible for managing and prioritising your own workload to defined deadlines, write up the results of your own research and contribute to the production of research reports and publications. You will also be involved in field work in Kenya to engage with smallholder farming communities to understand how the developed sensor technology can be implemented to greatest effect.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of Degree level in an Engineering or Biological, Chemical or Physical Sciences and you will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in laboratory based research processes. This will include designing and executing experiments, presentation and interpretation of results and planning the next steps in a project.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with a higher Degree (Master’s level or PhD level) in the Engineering or Biological, Chemical or Physical Sciences, some relevant laboratory work experience, knowledge and experience of sensors and sensor development, membership/working towards membership of a relevant Chartered/professional body. Knowledge in performing mixed methods research in the context of sustainable development is also high desirable, but not essential to the role.

Informal enquiries about the post are welcomed and should be addressed to Dr Andrew Ward: Andrew.c.ward@strath.ac.uk, or Dr Ezekiel Mugendi Njeru at Kenyatta University njeru.ezekiel@ku.ac.ke.

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