Research Associate (TRACE)

Job Title: Research Associate (TRACE)
School: Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems
Campus: Derry~Londonderry
Salary: £33,020 - £35,628
Full-Time/Fixed-Term until 30 June 2029
Closing Date: Monday 5th October 2026 at 23:30
Reference Number: 043666

- ABOUT US -

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.

- THE ROLE -

The postholder will be responsible for supporting the Principal Investigator in the delivery of the TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-food Circular Economy) project in line with all contractual responsibilities of SEUPB.

Project Summary:

Ulster University has secured €5.89m in funding through the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the SEUPB, to lead the TRACE project. TRACE is a cross-border project aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and sustainability of the Products of Animal Origin (POAO) supply chain.

The project will develop and apply a suite of advanced technologies to optimise key processes across the POAO value chain. This includes the use of multimodal imaging techniques, such as computer vision and hyperspectral imaging, alongside Internet of Things sensors that will continuously monitor critical parameters such as temperature, humidity and food quality in real time.

The data captured through the deployment of these technologies will support more efficient, transparent, and sustainable supply chain operations. To encourage adoption and maximise impact, TRACE will also establish a cross-border innovation hub offering both virtual and face-to-face support to SMEs. The hub will serve as a central resource for SMEs operating across the POAO supply chain and the wider agri-food sector, providing tools, guidance, and demonstrations to help them explore and implement innovative, technology-driven solutions that improve competitiveness and sustainability.

- ABOUT YOU -

- A degree or higher qualification in Computing, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technology-focused discipline (sensor technologies, IoT) or equivalent.
- Practical experience of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting and maintaining sensor, IoT and connected-device systems in industrial or field environments.
- Experience of supporting non-technical users during the introduction, implementation and operation of new technologies.

Please find our employee benefits listed on our website.

Ulster University holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality in higher education. You can read more about what this means on our University website. 

The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.

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