About this role
For informal enquiries, please contact Marina Cole, Professor, at [email protected]
This is a full time, fixed-term contract for 30 months ending no later than 31.8.2029.
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 (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
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
About You
You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. silicon or CMOS sensors, RF design, mixed signal IC (ASIC) with a good bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management and IT skills.
You will possess quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments. The ability to design and characterise sensors for VOC detection where the knowledge of chemical sensors, interface circuitry, in particular RF IC design using Cadence, microcontrollers, signal & data processing (AI) will constitute a distinct advantage.
You 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.
CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 5th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.