Research Associate/Assistant

Reports To: Head of Department

Contract Type: Fixed Term (15 months)

FTE: 1

Working Arrangements: Fully On-site. Due to the nature of this role, it is based fully on-site.

Work Location: CEE, James Weir level 2 labs (JW216)

This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where you will be instrumental in translating research innovations into commercially viable technologies. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is one of the largest and most successful engineering faculties in the UK, and the largest in Scotland; boasting a growing research portfolio of over £85 million. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is one of the largest and most successful civil engineering departments in Scotland. The department is ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK in the Guardian Subject Rankings 2025. We have over 600 students, including 450 undergraduates, 100 taught postgraduates and almost 100 registered research students. We have a strong commitment to widening access and inclusion while maintaining academic quality and an outstanding student experience.

We are looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to work on the development of an electrochemical sensor for use within the agriculture sector and play a pivotal role in the technology commercialisation. The focus of this project is to translate existing research from the laboratory bench to an in-field application and offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world application. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in potentiostatic electrochemical measurements (e.g. CV, SWV, CA) and have a strong track record in prototyping and conceptualising biosensor devices. Experience with testing and comparing different electrode materials, as well as designing aptamer-based assays for immobilisation and detection, is essential. The candidate should also have practical knowledge in visualisation and design, with experience in CAD software (e.g. Fusion 360) and be proficient in using data analysis software such as Matlab, R, or similar tools.

As a Research Associate/Assistant, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and test different materials during the prototype development and device integration stage. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in electrochemical biosensor research, or close to completion in a relevant degree. You will have a proven track record in the ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals.

Whilst a Post-Doctoral Research Associate is ideally sought for this position; applications from candidates who are close to PhD completion or whose award is pending, are welcome. In such circumstances, the appointment will be made at Research Assistant level (RS06 salary scale £32,296 -£35,880) and duties will be adjusted to reflect the grade of the post. This will continue until the PhD award is confirmed, at which point the duties and grade will be revised accordingly.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Magdalena Raykova, Research Associate at magdalena.raykova@strath.ac.uk 

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