Research Fellow

About the Role

For informal queries, please contact Professor Marina Cole at Marina.Cole@warwick.ac.uk

Contract Duration

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract for up to 30 months ending no later than 31 August 2029.

Contract duration will depend on agreed salary due to restricted budget.

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time at a minimum of 3 working days a week (22.5 hours per week) or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

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 (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101181582). 

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

You will have a PhD (or nearing completion) in electronic engineering, ideally with experience in analogue electronics, mixed signal IC (ASIC) design, silicon or CMOS sensors or RF design. Ideally, you will also possess quantitative & qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory & fieldwork environments.

You will have excellent verbal & written communication skills that enable you to communicate clearly, work effectively with colleagues & external partners & contribute positively to team & School activities.

Organised, self-motivated and technically adept, you use IT confidently to prepare papers, presentations & technical documentation. You manage your time well, engage constructively with the wider academic community & bring an inclusive & professional approach to your work. 

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by 11.59pm on the closing date of Wednesday 23rd September 2026.

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience & education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential & desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

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