This is a re-advertisement. Previous candidates for this role need not apply.
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Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
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Department
School of Engineering
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Position Type
Fixed Term
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Duration
Fixed-term contract for up to 30 months (read below)
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Salary
£35,608 to £46,049 per annum
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About the Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Professor Marina Cole at
[email protected].
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 (< 15 min), non-invasive and non-destructive screening of imported plant material for serious pests. Ultimately, the PDU is intended to be a cost-effective, user-friendly, adaptable, and efficient tool for plant health inspectors during import controls. Further information can be found here: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101181582 .
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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 and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments.
You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills that enable you to communicate clearly, work effectively with colleagues and external partners, and contribute positively to team and School activities.
Organised, self-motivated and technically adept, you use IT confidently to prepare papers, presentations and technical documentation. You manage your time well, engage constructively with the wider academic community, and bring an inclusive and professional approach to your work.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
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About the Department
The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.
The School of Engineering is a great place to work: we offer competitive salaries on a grading structure that provides annual incremental progression, plus a generous annual leave entitlement. As well as competitive salaries we offer attractive pension schemes with excellent employer contributions, and various staff recognition awards. We are also committed to helping you to fulfil your potential through a range of career development opportunities.
The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick
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About the University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
- World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026
** Research Excellence Framework 2021
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How to Apply
Closing Deadline: Monday 17 August 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)*
To apply, please click APPLY below and submit an application form by the closing deadline.
You will be asked to include a CV and Cover Letter. These documents should:
Outline employment and education history (including your most recent employment).
Demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the /*generated inline style */
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
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