Research Fellow (111259-0126)

About The Role

Informal Queries

For informal queries, please contact Professor Mark Newton at m.e.newton@warwick.ac.uk

Quantum-enhanced sensing is maturing to the point that it can be reliably applied to solve real-world challenges at scale. Diamond-based quantum sensing is at the forefront of quantum-enhanced sensing platforms, with transformative potential in applications ranging from materials science to environmental sensing.

The Diamond Research Groups within the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at the University of Warwick seek to appoint a Research Fellow to drive the development of a diamond-based quantum sensing platform as part of the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub (Q-BIOMED). The role will include the development and fabrication of novel diamond-based quantum sensing platforms, based on integrated nano- and micro-pores, for environmental and biomedical analysis on the micro- and nanoscale, and associated equipment construction and operation. The appointment is for two years with the possibility of extension as part of the 5-year Q-BIOMED project. You will work in close collaboration with national Hub partners (principally, Cambridge, Heriot-Watt, Cardiff) to develop novel sensors and feed into ground-breaking biomedical sensing experiments, in addition to industry and international partners, and the wider Diamond Research Group at Warwick

About You

We are looking for someone with a PhD in Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrochemistry, Engineering or a related field, or someone who is very close to obtaining this. You should ideally have a background in building and/or running chemistry/physics experiments, magnetic resonance, microfluidics / nanopores, electrochemistry, nanofabrication, materials science, NV centres and/or quantum technology. You will be a good communicator capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a research team. You will possess good planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively. For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.

If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure.

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).

About The Department

You will work within the Diamond Quantum Technology Lab, the Warwick Electrochemistry & Interfaces Group and the wider Diamond Group at Warwick (approximately 40 researchers across Physics and Chemistry).

Diamond Quantum Technology Lab

The Diamond Group at Warwick is a world-leading authority on defects and technological applications of diamond. The group has worked on diamond quantum technology in all three phases of the UK Quantum Technology Hubs, with the current Q-BIOMED Hub being the most recent and also led two Centres for Doctoral Training in Diamond Science and Technology. Within the wider Warwick Diamond community, there is expertise in diamond materials and defects. In addition, Warwick Quantum is a new initiative bringing together the quantum technology research groups in the Departments of Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Maths, Chemistry and the Warwick Manufacturing Group.

Diamond Electrochemistry

The Electrochemistry Group at Warwick is internationally regarded for its work on the electrochemistry of carbon based electrode materials, including boron doped diamond, graphene and carbon nanotubes. Work spans from the fundamentals to applications at both the nano and macro scale. Both groups have experience in helping our team-members secure prestigious fellowships, and we would be happy to help with these fellowship applications before or after you start as a Research Fellow.

Department of Physics

The post will be based in the Department of Physics, a vibrant academic department with over 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students. We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining excellence in both teaching and research by promoting equality of opportunity for all, within a culture of mutual respect and dignity. We are pleased to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality for all staff and students. We also hold an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award in support of our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Further information about working in the Department of Physics and the benefits available can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.

The University supports flexible working and requests for part-time working or job-share will be considered where possible.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th 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 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 12th February 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 a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: As soon as possible

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD Research Fellow (111259).pdf – 221KB Opens in a new window

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.