Research Associate

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 6 months

The James Watt School of Engineering is looking for a Research Associate to make a leading contribution to the EPSRC Photonics & Quantum Accelerator project “Nanophotonic MIPs for contaminant detection in the whisky industry.” The postholder will take primary responsibility for delivering a functional benchtop prototype within six months by integrating multiple subsystems, including optical, fluidic, electronic, embedded, and software components, around an existing plasmonic sensor.

This role requires an engineer with a broad, practical skillset and demonstrable experience in building and troubleshooting physical prototype instruments, ideally in industrial, commercial, or applied research settings. The project will progress at pace and demands a hands-on approach to system design, assembly, and refinement.

The postholder will work with Prof. Alasdair Clark’s Nanophotonic Devices Research Group and in collaboration with the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, contributing to prototype development, testing in laboratory and industrial environments, and the preparation of publications and follow-on funding proposals.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Please contact Professor Alasdair Clark (Alasdair.Clark@glasgow.ac.uk) for informal inquiries and to discuss this position further.

For more information and to apply online: https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-associate-107

Closing date:  5 January 2026

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We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.

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