Research Associate

Research Associate – University of Glasgow Job details Posted: 24 November 2025 | Salary Grade 7: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum | Location: Glasgow | Job Type: Research and Teaching | Reference: 187873 | Expiry: 05 January 2026 Job Purpose To make a leading engineering 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, contribute to prototype development, testing in laboratory and industrial environments, and the preparation of publications and follow‑on funding proposals. Main Duties and Responsibilities Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners). Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager. >Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy. Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge and Qualifications Essential – A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level in one or more of the following: applied optics, photonic devices, microfluidics, sensor engineering, chemical sensing, or a closely related discipline. A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the Job Purpose, particularly nanophotonics, optical sensing, device integration, or chemical detection technologies. A3 Well‑developed working knowledge of research methods and practical techniques relevant to the project, including optical instrumentation, prototype device assembly, sensor characterisation, or microfluidics. Skills Essential – C1 Proven practical engineering skills relevant to the project, including the ability to build, integrate, and troubleshoot multi‑subsystem prototype devices (e.g., combining optical, fluidic, electronic, embedded, and software components). A hands‑on approach to system assembly (comfortable assembling functional prototypes using off‑the‑shelf and custom parts) is essential. C2 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity. C3 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. Experience Essential – E1 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement. E2 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives. E3 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications. E4 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision. E5 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication. Desirable F1 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society. F2 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments. Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 – £46,049 per annum. This post is full‑time, and has funding for up to 6 months. 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. Applicants who may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route are welcome to apply. Benefits: 41 days of leave for full‑time staff, pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, health and wellbeing support (including a free 6‑month UoG Sport membership), and various discount packages. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from people from under‑represented communities (BAME and other protected characteristics). The University supports and embeds equality and diversity throughout its community. The University endorses the principles of Athena Swan and holds bronze, silver and gold awards across the institution. #J-18808-Ljbffr