Solid Fuel Facility Scientist

Queen’s University Belfast is establishing a new Solid Fuel Testing Facility within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, funded by the SEUPB under the PEACEPLUS programme. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to lead the development, operation, and promotion of this unique facility. The postholder will provide specialist expertise in fuel characterisation, combustion analysis, and emissions monitoring, supporting a wide range of stakeholders including academic researchers, regulatory authorities, industry partners, and community groups across the island of Ireland.

The successful candidate will oversee procurement, commissioning, and maintenance of state-of-the-art instrumentation (e.g. GC-MS, elemental analysis, calorimetry), ensure the facility meets accreditation standards (UKAS/INAB), and develop protocols that respond to evolving regional, national, and EU policy needs. They will also play a central role in building partnerships with government, local authorities, and fuel suppliers, contributing to cross-border collaboration on air quality and sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new laboratory from the ground up and deliver a high-impact service that directly supports public health, environmental protection, and energy transition goals. The role offers scope for innovation, professional growth, and meaningful engagement with both the scientific community and society.

About the person:

We are looking for an experienced and motivated scientist with a strong background in analytical chemistry, environmental science, or a related discipline. Candidates must hold a PhD and have hands-on expertise in instrumental analysis, fuel characterisation, combustion testing, or emissions monitoring.

The successful applicant will be able to commission, operate, and interpret data from a range of analytical instruments (e.g. GC-MS, calorimeters, elemental analysis), and apply this expertise to support high-quality testing services. They should demonstrate proven experience of managing projects, budgets, or facilities, alongside the ability to develop and maintain collaborations with academic, regulatory, industrial, and community partners.

Key skills include strong problem-solving ability, excellent organisational and communication skills, and the capacity to train and support diverse users of the facility. Applicants should also have a track record of research outputs appropriate to their career stage.

It is desirable that candidates bring additional expertise in analytical techniques such as TGA, XRF, or ash analysis, as well as familiarity with accreditation processes (UKAS, INAB) and environmental standards relevant to fuels and air quality. Experience in cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement will be an advantage.

The role requires flexibility, a commitment to professional development, and a willingness to contribute to the wider objectives of the School and the PEACEPLUS programme. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on air quality, environmental protection, and sustainability across Ireland.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This is a fixed term contract post for 36 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

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