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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Head of Ecosystems and Cluster Development
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic leader with strong expertise and experience in establishing clusters in the manufacturing sector and working across supply chains to maximise the collective impact of innovation and productivity to grow business opportunities and create economic wealth.In this role, you will be a horizon-scanner, market-shaper and thought leader, ambitious for positioning AMIC as a pioneer amongst manufacturing RTOs in enabling competitive clusters and supply chains and supporting individual businesses to scale. As a member of the AMIC senior management team, the Head of Ecosystems and Cluster Development will work with the executive leadership and Heads of Group to develop and implement our Supply Chain and Cluster strategy, connected into our business development (BD). The successful applicant will develop novel approaches to driving cluster and supply chain competitiveness, building on international best practice. Working in partnership within and beyond AMIC, this person will establish and secure funding for interventions that will drive cluster and supply chain growth and investment. About The Person ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:1. Honours degree, equivalent or higher qualification in Manufacturing, Engineering, ICT, Physics, Business or a related field OR substantial relevant working in a similar role.2. Significant evidence of leadership in developing supply chains, clusters and manufacturing ecosystems.3. Significant experience of securing R&D grant funding from a range of sources including NI, UK and EU funding sources.4. Strong track record in securing or contributing successfully to multi-million (+£1m) R&D funding applications from local, national and international bodies.5. Evidence of successful financial and operational delivery of collaborative R&D programmes6. Evidence of building stakeholder networks and securing collaborative innovation funding7. Robust and resilient, with strong presence and the ability to confidently deliver complex messages to a diverse and demanding audience and the ability to negotiate and influence at all levels.8. An analytical mindset with the ability to manage and mitigate risk, with a positive creative instinct to develop solutions to support the objectives of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.9. Excellent communication skills - ability to communicate effectively with colleagues across the institution as well as with outside agencies and a strong commitment to collaboration and collegiality.10. Demonstrable ability to build networks with and to influence funding bodies, major corporate partners and key stakeholders.11. Demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of Queen's University Belfast, AMIC and the objectives of the Belfast Region City Deal12. Passionate about innovation and driving business growth through technology. 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 at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/ 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 www.qub.ac.uk/diversity. 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 - http://go.qub.ac.uk/internationalstaffsupport
Salary
£64,570 - £74,823 per annum
Posted
28 Jun 2026
Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Irish
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job: The School of Arts, English and Languages seeks to appoint a Lecturer in Irish. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and growing department within the School of Arts, English and Languages, contributing to the development of teaching and research in Irish language and literature. The position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the academic experience of our students and to further advance the study of the Irish language, with a potential focus on historical language and literature or linguistics, depending on the candidate's expertise and research interests. About the person: Essential Criteria: Have or about to obtain a PhD in Irish Language and Literature, or a closely related field. A record of internationally excellent research outputs and/or research publications in established and/or emerging areas of Irish, appropriate to career stage. Relevant teaching experience to at least degree level (Near) native fluency in Irish and the ability to teach, assess and work through the medium of Irish 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 document on our website.
Salary
£46,936 - £77,441 per annum
Posted
5 Jul 2026
Research Fellow, School of Law
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job: The purpose of the job is to be an active member of the research project on the history and current impact of intellectual property (IP) rights for plants, to collect archival and interview data, to disseminate research findings, and to assist with the planning and delivery of the research activity so that the overall research objectives of the project are met. This work is being carried out at Queen's University Belfast School of Law as part of the Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) research project "A Century of Propertising Plants: examining the role of intellectual property law in protecting biodiversity and food security," funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The main activities and responsibilities include: Develop and plan an area of personal research and expertise, and undertake research under supervision for the Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) research project. Design and develop data collection and field research activities in order to obtain reliable data from public IP databases, archives, and interviews. Carry out analysis, critical evaluation, and interpretation using methodologies and other techniques appropriate to qualitative and quantitative research in law and history of plant breeding. Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings. The research group will include the FLF holder and the co-lead. Prepare, often in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at international conferences. Assist FLF holder in the preparation of funding proposals and applications to external bodies. Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the FLF research project to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. These might include organisation of project meetings and documentation. Read academic papers, journals and legal texts to keep abreast of developments in plant intellectual property law and related disciplines. About the person: The research assistant must meet the following criteria: Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD. Relevant experience in research relevant to the FLF project and academic publications. Ability to contribute to broader project management and administrative processes. Sufficient breadth and depth of relevant specialist knowledge and experience of research methods and techniques relevant to the FLF project. Ability to clearly communicate with a range of audiences and ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks. Demonstrable intellectual ability and the ability to assess and organise resources. 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.
Salary
£49,628 per annum
Posted
13 Jul 2026
Contracts Associate
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job: As a member of the Contracts team, you will play a key role in preparing, negotiating and executing contracts ensuring that the interests of the University are protected in relation to intellectual property, contract research and consultancy and technical services, thereby enabling significant commercialisation outcomes to be achieved. You will provide specialist advice and assistance in the preparation, negotiation and execution of a range of contracts and other legal documents, including Research Contracts, Collaboration Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and International Consortium Agreements. You will assist in the negotiation of disputed contractual clauses, and evaluate and advise the University on risk mitigation associated with warranties and liabilities. About the person: Candidates should demonstrate clearly how they meet the following criteria: You will hold an honours degree, preferably in law or related discipline. Have at least one year's recent (within the past two years) relevant experience. Have expertise in successful contract preparation, negotiation and execution. 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 document on our website.
Salary
£36,366 - £41,727 per annum
Posted
12 Jul 2026
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