Queen’s University Belfast
Working, teaching and research at Queen’s University Belfast
Information about Queen’s University Belfast for Academics
Queen’s University Belfast is a world-class international university built on teaching excellence, leading-edge research, innovation, collaboration, and engagement.
We are recognised globally for our academic strengths and the impact we deliver through leading research. We encourage a culture of research ambition to tackle some of the greatest societal challenges of our time.
It is our purpose and responsibility to take on major global challenges and turn research to reality; every day, we find answers to help build a better society. Staying apace with rapid societal, economic, and technological change, our aim is to shape a better world for all.
Our strategic research areas are based on our record of excellence and ambition for the future:
Our researchers are dedicated to deepening our understanding of diseases and developing solutions and treatments for them. Our expertise in conducting clinical trials and our world leading facilities in cancer and precision medicine research are a testament to the breakthroughs that Queen’s research has facilitated over the decades. We are also leading the way in developing strategies and initiatives which mitigate against the worst effects of illness, and which act as preventative agents to illnesses developing in the first place.
How we are delivering:
Giving Voice to the Hidden Carers of Cancer
Researchers at Queen’s are pioneering ways to better understand and support those who care for loved ones with cancer. Professor Martin Dempster, Professor of Psychology Applied to Health & Illness, explores the psychological wellbeing of informal carers; from adolescents balancing school with caring responsibilities, to families navigating the emotional and practical demands of life-limiting cancers such as oesophageal cancer. His work ensures that the voices of carers, often hidden from formal support systems, are recognised in healthcare research, practice, and policy.
A Transformative and Sustainable Economy
The economy of the next 100 years will be a necessarily different one to the economy we experience today. The ongoing climate crisis, our fossil fuel dependency, raw material shortages and the possibility of supply chain disruptions call for innovative, responsible, and sustainable solutions. We will continue to focus our efforts on established and emerging areas such as intelligent manufacturing and service delivery, advanced and sustainable materials, solutions to future transport requirements, and understanding and harnessing high energy and ultra-fast processes.
How we are delivering:
Moving Towards Zero Emissions Public Transport
Researchers from Queen’s, in collaboration with Wrightbus have developed best-in-class low and zero emissions technologies playing a key role in decarbonising UK and international public transport.
Secure Connect Intelligence – AI and the Data Revolution
Researchers at Queen’s are on a mission to make the changing global digital space both safer and faster. Our world leading teams in cyberspace resilience and networks and connectivity are breaking new ground in the digital sphere, as our teams in geographical information science are doing in the physical.
Novel computer systems and changing computing paradigms require agile and cutting edge research which can be translated quickly and effectively into real world practice. Using data fusing enabling technologies will assist in socio economic development but will also act as a positive driver for the health of populations in the future, and for their safety and security.
How we are delivering:
Using Emerging Technologies to Improve Lives
Listen to our Research to Reality roundtable discussion featuring four academics from Queen's University Belfast: Lucy Baxter, Professor Paul Best, Professor Franziska Schroeder and Professor Roger Woods. Hosted by former BBC journalist Mark Devenport, this conversation delves into the potential power of VR and AI in transforming understanding of mental abuse and improving mental health, inclusive design in the music industry, and making AI smarter, faster, and greener.
The impact of the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT)
Our Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) is the UK’s Innovation and Knowledge Centre for cyber security which drives forward major research breakthroughs in the field of secure information technologies.
Understanding the relationship between humans and our environment has never been more important. The choices we face have never been so stark. Our climate is changing. The effects of this are being felt now as a day-to-day reality. There is an obligation on those involved in academic research to turn towards the challenges presented.
Whether this relates to our natural environment, creating safe and secure agri-food systems, assessing the way in which our built environment interacts with the natural world, or in the way we build and maintain truly liveable communities and societies, Queen’s researchers are at the forefront of innovative, future focused solutions that aim to make our footprint lighter, both on earth and beyond.
How we are delivering:
Fighting Hidden Climate and Environmental Threats
Listen to our engaging academics in a roundtable discussion which delves into the overarching theme of ‘Fighting Hidden Climate and Environmental Threats’. Professor Jaimie Dick highlights the potential impact of invasive alien species, Dr. Ross Cuthbert addresses the hidden cost of biological invasions, and Professor Maarten Blaauw explains the importance of peatlands as critical carbon reservoirs.
Inclusive and Cohesive Communities
As a university based in Belfast, we are proud of our longstanding and world leading track record in research relating to peace, identity, conflict, and social sustainability. Our lived experience of conflict as a society, its causes, and its consequences, have driven a determination to deliver research excellence which impacts on the lives and livelihoods of communities across the world.
Whether that relates to governance, accountability, and international relations, listening to and responding to the child’s perspective, understanding the need for creativity and cultural understanding, or valuing heritage in building inclusive and cohesive communities.
How we are delivering:
Advancing Transitional Justice: Queen’s University Belfast’s Role in Global Peacebuilding
Queen’s University Belfast has established itself as a global hub for pioneering research in transitional justice, a critical field focused on addressing the legacies of conflict and fostering reconciliation. Through interdisciplinary research led by experts like Professor Kieran McEvoy, the university develops innovative frameworks for truth recovery, victim-centred justice, apologies & acknowledgement, and reintegration strategies, influencing peacebuilding efforts worldwide.
Harnessing the Arts to Heal Post-Conflict Societies
Queen’s University Belfast leads pioneering research examining the transformative power of literature and the arts in societies recovering from conflict, with a special focus on Northern Ireland. The university’s work, exemplified by scholars like Dr. Stefanie Lehner, investigates how contemporary Irish theatre and cultural productions negotiate memory, trauma, and reconciliation.
Key Statistics for Professionals
Key data points related to studying at Queen’s University Belfast
- Over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021)
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- Gold Athena Swan award
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- 4000+ staff
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- AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF RESEARCH CENTRES AND INSTITUTES
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- Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities.
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- Ranked 5th in the world for international outlook. (THE World University Rankings 2026)
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- Queen’s is the 1st university in Ireland and 2nd in the UK to achieve a Gold Athena Swan award for gender equality.
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Jobs at Queen’s University Belfast
Open positions for academics and staff at Queen’s University Belfast
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Grants Officer
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
The successful candidate will provide administrative and operational support for the financial administration of externally funded research grants across both pre award and post award stages of the research lifecycle. They will assist the Research Grants Supervisor / Manager with the costing, preparation, and submission of research funding applications, ensuring required financial information is entered accurately into relevant systems and templates. In addition they will support with the set up of new research projects on university finance and research systems, ensuring that records are complete, accurate, and supported by appropriate documentation. About the person: The successful candidate will have: 5 GCSE’s (including Mathematics and English). Strong experience in using spreadsheets for data analysis, including extracting data, performing reconciliations, and ensuring accuracy across datasets. Experience working with large, integrated finance or research management systems, with confidence navigating and updating digital records. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website. What we offer: Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website. Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website. If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.
Salary
£29,594 - £32,186 per annum
Posted
6 Apr 2026
Digital Transformation Advisors
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job: We are seeking team-players and excellent communicators who are passionate about accelerating digital transformation within SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) within the DigitAl ManufacTUring Transformation PlatforM (DATUM) project through engaging and consulting with companies and in the management and expansion of applied research, innovation and knowledge transfer in Digitised Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. AMIC AMIC - a £100M investment through the Belfast Region City Deal - is a collaborative, innovative powerhouse of advanced manufacturing set to elevate our region globally. We are supporting economic growth and prosperity for Northern Ireland by creating high quality jobs and increasing inward investment through high value manufacturing innovation clusters. We are driving industrial transformation, paving the way for future technologies and competing globally with a more sustainable focus. When you join our team, you will have access to the latest advanced industrial technologies, and have the opportunity to grow and develop as a technology leader. Our mission is to provide you with the environment to innovate and create impact. Our team of experienced staff has core capabilities in digitalising manufacturing, smart design, sustainable polymers & composites and nanotechnologies & photonics. We're excited to be expanding the team throughout 2026. About the person: Essential Criteria: Honours Degree, or equivalent, in relevant discipline Relevant or related experience in engaging and consulting with or within companies, and assessing their digital capabilities, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing advice and support on technology and process solutions. Experience in executing multifaceted projects within deadlines and budget, displaying strong and effective resource management abilities. Experience in contributing to and creating presentation materials and in presenting materials and engaging with companies. Experience of methodologies and approaches to measure current capability within a manufacturing environment Experience that demonstrates extensive breadth of knowledge in operational environments and supporting functions Experience of collaborative working in multidisciplinary teams. Personal Qualities: Ability to communicate complex information to range of audiences through effective written reports and presentations, adjusting approach to meet audience needs. Ability to build effective and productive relationships and interact with others including senior academic staff, and senior industry and government executives. Strong problem-solving skills in a complex industrial environment Some working outside of standard working times and national or international travel may be required to meet the responsibilities of the post and needs of stakeholders. It should be possible to plan and schedule for this activity 90% of the time. Please refer to the Candidate Information document on our website for full datails.
Salary
£41,519 - £49,536 per annum
Posted
19 Apr 2026
Research Fellow, School of Psychology
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
We are seeking a highly enthusiastic and productive person to join the Animal Behaviour and Welfare research team, based in the School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast. The successful individual will be responsible for managing a 2-year Leverhulme Trust funded study designed to explore the evolution of laterality in the canids, with a specific focus on domestic dogs and wolves. The post involves data collection, report writing and conference presentation and requires travel, both inside and outside the UK. The post is a critical role, and as such, successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent research, team work, day-to-day lab management, collaborations and outreach. About The Person To be successful at the shortlisting stage, the applicant must provide evidence in their application of how they meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information. Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant area, e.g., Psychology, Biology or closely related discipline. Have, or be about to submit, a PhD in Psychology, Biology or closely related discipline, with a focus on animal behaviour. Recent relevant research experience to include: A proven track record of collecting data on animalbehaviour. Experience of statistical analysis. Evidence of publication record commensurate with stage of career. The ability to work closely with animals and liaise with pet owners, zoo keepers and other members of the public. The ability to travel for up to 2-3 week periods for data collection. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website. This post is available for 24 Months or until 31 May 2028, whichever is soonest. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.
Salary
£41,519 - £42,756 per annum
Posted
19 Apr 2026
Palaeoecology Research Fellow (Landscapes of Catastrophe)
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job: Landscapes of Catastrophe: archaeology, social-ecological and biological contexts for the Great Irish Famine, 1845-52 is an interdisciplinary project investigating the ecological, biological and social contexts of An Gorta M r, the most profound demographic and diasporic event in Ireland over the last millennium during which more than two million people died or emigrated. The project develops new approached to constraining environmental and landscape chronologies for the period 1650-1960 CE and uses these to reconstruct demographic and agricultural change through palaeoenvironmental evidence. Six case study landscapes across Ireland form the core analytical framework, each illuminating different demographic, environmental, social, and religious impacts of the Famine. The successful candidate will contribute a broad, multi-proxy palaeoecological skillset to the project. They will carry out field sampling and laboratory analysis of peat and soil sequences from case-study landscapes across Ireland, and will work closely with the project Co-Leads to deliver integrated palaeoenvironmental work packages. Core analytical responsibilities include pollen, non pollen palynomorph, plant macrofossil, XRF, isotopic, and tephra analysis, alongside the construction of Bayesian age-depth models using radiocarbon, 210Pb, and tephrochronology. Candidates with experience in metagenomics (sedimentary aDNA), biomarkers, or a demonstrated capacity to acquire new palaeoenvironmental techniques are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will receive tailored training and mentorship as appropriate, and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including the 14CHRONO Centre and the Institute for Heritage and Environmental Science at QUB. Successful applicants will have responsibilities for independent and directed research, supervision of technical analysis, assisting in the planning and day-to-day management of the palaeoecological work packages, related collaboration and outreach. The successful candidate will join laboratories with internationally recognised strengths in radiocarbon dating, palaeoecology, scientific archaeology and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the past. The post benefits from more than £6m of recent investment in geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and analytical instrumentation (including XRF, X ray imaging, Micro CT, SEM, LA ICP MS, TQ ICP MS, and microprobe), offering extensive opportunities for training, skills development, and professional growth. About the person: The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Have a relevant PhD in Palaeoecology or closely cognate discipline. Specific, relevant* research experience to include: An established expertise and proven portfolio in multi-proxy palaeoecology research. Demonstrable experience in the collection, preparation and analysis of peat and soil sequences using palaeoecological and geochemical methods (including pollen, non‑pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossils, XRF and tephra analysis), and in constructing robust age–depth models based on radiocarbon, 210Pb, and/or tephrochronology. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals (commensurate with stage of career). Experience of working effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of research project results. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
Salary
£41,519 - £42,756 per annum
Posted
1 Apr 2026
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