Research Associate, Research Scientist

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

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.

• 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.
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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 and Qualifications

• Essential – A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging…