At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on biochemical sensors for wastewater detection.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in water science and engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong industry partnerships and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team making a real impact on public health through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Doctoral degree in biosensing, microfluidics, or related fields with experimental experience.
The predicted salary is between 37897 - 37897 £ per year.
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Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: For 24 months
Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 per annum
Posted Date: 30/06/2026
Apply by: 11/08/2026
Role Description: We welcome applications from a Research Fellow with a strong passion for, and experience in, biosensing, microfluidics and microbiology. The successful candidate will join our Advanced Sensors team and contribute to the 5-year Leverhulme Research Leadership Award project, Sensing Wastewater for Real-Time Public Health.
About the Role: The postholder's primary responsibility is to conduct cutting-edge research on a new class of biochemical sensor development for wastewater, especially on the single-cell and single molecule detection, utilising state-of-the-art facilities in the Advanced Sensors Laboratory at Cranfield University. Cranfield University has a proud reputation for its research on the science, engineering and management of water, and we have been driving innovation for over 40 years. You will contribute to the delivery of Cranfield University's research portfolio in the Advanced Sensors Laboratory for Water-Environment-Health, led by Professor Zhugen Yang. The group's pioneering work on wastewater sensing, especially on origami-paper microfluidics sensors, has garnered significant national and international recognition, including features in Science and prominent media outlets, such as BBC. The origami-paper device is currently featured at the London Science Museum. The project also involved partnership from world-leading institutions, such as Harvard University on droplets technology and industrial sectors.
About You: You will hold a doctoral degree (or close to completion) in biosensing, microfluidics, environmental science, microbiology, or a related discipline. You will have demonstrable experience with experimental skillsets, including sensor development, wastewater surveillance, or reverse inference modelling for source tracking. You will bring laboratory expertise in designing experiments, handling advanced instruments, and troubleshooting. Collaboration and mentoring within interdisciplinary teams are also desirable.
About Us: As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield's world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. The group has received national and international acclaim, including coverage in Science, BBC News and The Washington Post for its research on wastewater monitoring and origami-based paper sensors.
Our Values and Commitments: Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families.
Working Arrangements: Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
Research Fellow in Sensing Wastewater employer: ENGINEERINGUK
ENGINEERINGUK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative work culture, allowing you to thrive as a Hybrid Brand Executive while contributing to a meaningful charity brand. With generous employee benefits such as 28 days of holiday, enhanced parental leave, and a robust pension scheme, you'll find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in this dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Sensing Wastewater
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at ENGINEERINGUK, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like ENGINEERINGUK. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Sensing Wastewater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at ENGINEERINGUK. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at ENGINEERINGUK. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at ENGINEERINGUK. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at ENGINEERINGUK to drive research projects forward.
