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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Research Fellow (Creative Media)
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the Role The School of Arts, English and Languages (AEL) at Queen's University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Research Fellow. The successful applicant will contribute to research on the Mencap NI project 'Hear Us Now: Voices of Mencap NI'. The project is concerned with engaging with participants who have used the services of Mencap NI over its 60 year history, recording their stories and life experiences, and sharing them with the public through engaging creative media outputs. This is a part time post at 0.4 FTE. About the Person The successful candidate must have and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Have or be about to obtain a PhD in a subject relevant to creative media/audio production (must be obtained within 3 months of closing date of post) Significant, relevant research experience with information technology, creative media technology (recording/editing audio / video) Demonstrable understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project Experience of writing up research findings in academic format. Experience writing for a broad audience of the general public. 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. Fixed-term contract (2 years or until 31 Jan 2029, 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
£42,972 per annum (to be pro rata for 0.4 FTE)
Posted
22 Oct 2026
Research Assistant
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job: The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems has an ambitious programme of work which aims to develop a robust, resilient and sustainable food system in the transition to healthy diets form sustainable sources. It encompasses a research programme from plant science to nutrition and public health across three jurisdictions - the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB). The Co-Centre will foster research and innovation to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team to contribute to the delivery of both a longitudinal household study and an intervention trial to monitor and improve the transition to healthy diets from sustainable sources across the Island of Ireland.The candidate will work together with post-doctoral researchers and other research assistants to recruit participants and collect data on a range of dietary, lifestyle, biological and functional health outcomes; therefore, excellent organisational and communication skills are essential. There will be opportunities to develop research experiences, receive research mentoring, and access the co-centre research network. This post is a great opportunity for someone looking to build their nutrition-related research skills. About the person: The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Qualified to MSc/ PhD or BSc (hons 2:1 or above with recent relevant experience) in nutrition or other discipline relevant to the post.A qualification in dietetics would be a distinct advantage. Experience of working in human research studies (including population-based, nutrition interventions or clinical trials). Experience of data collection including dietary, lifestyle, biological and functional health outcomes. Experience of data entry with proven ability of excellent attention to detail. Experience of creating, managing and summarising complex databases. Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team and with participants in research projects. 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
18 Oct 2026
Engaged Research and Impact Manager
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems has an ambitious programme of work which aims to develop a robust, resilient and sustainable food system in the transition to healthy diets form sustainable sources. It encompasses a research programme from plant science to nutrition and public health across three jurisdictions - the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB). The Co-Centre will foster research and innovation to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector. The post holder will drive the Engaged Research and Impactagenda within the Co-Centre. Working closely across the three jurisdictions, the post holder will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing an ambitious and integrated engaged research programme, develop and mobalise pathways to impact and develop impact case studies from the ongoing research. They will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the Co-Centre's KPIs and for securing additional external funding to expand all engaged research and impact activities. They will link closely with the funder(s) engaged research Programmes. They will report to the Co-Directors and Co-Centre Manager. The successful candidate must have and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject. Proven track record in leading and overseeing initiatives in public engagement with science/research, and/or science learning, including experience of participatory or co-creative approaches. Significant relevant experience managing impact and engaged research activity within an academic environment to include: Knowledge of engaged research methodologies and evaluation methods. Knowledge of monititoring pathways to impact while similtanously identifying and developing impact case studies. Strong networking and consultative skills, with the ability to grow professional relationships across diverse sectors. Ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences through dialogic, participatory, and creative approaches. Proven ability to manage complex, multi-partner programmes, including partnerships with civil society and cultural organisations. Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and impact frameworks. Experience designing and implementing mixed-methods evaluation frameworks, including qualitative, creative, and participatory approaches. Project management experience associated with the development, delivery, reporting and monitoring systems for programmes, publications, and events. This is not an exhaustive list. 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 29 months.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
£52,802 per annum
Posted
29 Oct 2026
Language Teaching Fellow in Portuguese
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
To teach Portuguese (European variety) on BA undergraduate pathways at Queen's University, Belfast. To recruit students to the BA undergraduate programmes in Portuguese. To promote Portuguese language and culture and provide students with the means to develop their knowledge in this field. To contribute to the design and delivery of teaching and learning on core language modules in Portuguese on the BA undergraduate programmes. To disseminate Portuguese language and culture through the organisation of cultural events. The successful applicant will be a native speaker of Portuguese, with excellent communication skills in both English and Portuguese. The postholder will be expected to contribute the design, delivery and administration of language-based activities to enhance the student experience, and support students' language learning at all stages of the undergraduate degree. The role will be concentrated during core teaching periods with expectations that leave entitlement will be taken predominantly outside of term time. About The Person The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Native speaker of Portuguese. Near native proficiency in spoken and written English. An honours-level undergraduate degree (B.A. or equivalent) in an area of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, or equivalent. Proven experience teaching Portuguese language (European variety) at HE or FE level, including evidence of having undertaken a portfolio of activities relating to the teaching of Portuguese language. Experience in delivering timely and constructive feedback to students, in line with established assessment criteria. Experience using technologies such as virtual learning environments to provide an enhanced experience for language learners. Excellent interpersonal skills with experience of working effectively as part of a team. Ability to contribute to the design of course materials and to plan and organise the delivery and assessment within established courses. Availability to work outside of normal working hours, with appropriate planning, for example to attend Open Days or participate in other recruitment activities. DESIRABLE CRITERIA: A postgraduate qualification in Teaching Portuguese as a foreign language, or cognate field. Experience of delivering a programme of language classes. Experience of event organisation and/or outreach activities. The successful candidate will be available to occasionally work outside of normal working hours, with appropriate planning, for example to attend Open Days or participate in other recruitment activities. 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. This post is available for 12 months. 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
£42,972 per annum pro rata per annum (actual salary for 0.4 FTE is £17,188.80)
Posted
2 Nov 2026
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