Research Associate in Nanoscale Electrodeposition for Gas Sensing

UE07 £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 per annum

CSE / School of Engineering / Institute for Bioengineering

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 24 months

The Opportunity:

Where curiosity becomes impact

With roles from hospitality to research, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. We can offer opportunities for you to develop in your career and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. 

We offer careers and roles in just about every area you can think of. Whether you are looking for entry-level, mid-career or roles at the top of your chosen specialism, we can offer you a career where you can flourish and make a real difference in the communities around us while contributing to the world at large. Our people come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their abilities and experiences to our organisation. ​

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you

Join the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh as a Research Associate and play a leading role in pioneering the science of electro crystallisation for next-generation nanosensor materials and devices.

Based within the Institute for Bioengineering, you will contribute to an ambitious, interdisciplinary research programme that is advancing the fundamental science and engineering of electrodeposition to enable the scalable manufacture of high-performance nanosensors. This research seeks to uncover how molecular nucleation and crystallisation can be controlled at the nanoscale, providing unprecedented control over the location and morphology of molecular crystals to create functional sensing circuitry.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to work at the interface of materials science, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and microelectronics. You will design and conduct cutting-edge experiments, analyse and interpret complex datasets, disseminate your findings through high-quality publications and international conferences, and collaborate with leading academic partners in a dynamic, supportive, and intellectually stimulating research environment. The role offers an outstanding opportunity to develop your research profile while contributing to technologies with the potential to transform future sensing applications.

Your skills and attributes for success: 
 

• A PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline

• Experience of laboratory-based research, with expertise in experimental techniques relevant to electrochemical techniques, nucleation and crystallisation science, chemical sensing, or related areas

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and effective engagement with multidisciplinary research teams

• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet project milestones, and deliver high-quality outputs

• Excellent communication skills, including experience in writing reports or publications and presenting research findings to a range of audiences

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle: 

• Professional development and subject matter expertise
• Leading-edge research
• Excellent benefits and support
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.

View the full job description 

How to apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Research proposal (max 2 pages)

As a valued member of our team, you can expect: 

• A competitive salary. 
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. 

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. 

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.  This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.  

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 19 August 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.