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 Assistant (Bacterial Evolution)
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant in Bacterial Evolution to join the UKRI FLF-funded research group of Dr Rachel Wheatley, based in the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast. Species interactions are a fundamental comonent of bacterial infections. Yet, when, and how these interactions impact the response of a bacterial pathogen to antibiotics is currently not clear. The appointee for this position will: (1) conduct research into how microbial interactions impact antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens, and (2) assist in the general running of the research laboratory, with tasks such as lab ordering, autoclaving, and supporting team members with experiments. The successful candidate will be involved in conducting experiments to investigate how antibiotic resistance mutations impact bacterial virulence in a Galleria mellonella model, and experiments to investigate how antibiotic resistance evolves in microbial communities. They will support running of the research laboratory via tasks such as consumable ordering, lab meeting schedules, and supporting team members with experiments. About the person: The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Hold a Degree in a relevant area (e.g. biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry). Specific, relevant and demonstratable research experience in experimental lab work. Experience in working with microorganisms. Experience of statistical analyses and appropriate software e.g. R and R Studio. Experience of working in a team. 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 is a fixed term post for 30 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. 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
£35,136 per annum
Posted
30 Mar 2026
Domestic Recruitment Support Officer
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
The GB Recruitment Support Officer plays a key role in supporting student recruitment across the Great Britain domestic market for Queen's University Belfast. Working within the Global Student Recruitment team, the postholder will help plan and deliver targeted recruitment activities designed to attract, inform and convert prospective students from schools and colleges across the south of England. This role focuses on building strong relationships with key stakeholders including school advisers, teachers and education partners, while representing the University at recruitment fairs, school visits and other outreach events. The successful candidate will deliver engaging presentations, provide one to one guidance to prospective students, and support innovative campaigns and events that enhance the applicant experience and encourage applications to Queen's. The postholder will collaborate closely with colleagues across the University, including Faculty Student Recruitment Hubs, Strategic Marketing and Communications, Admissions and academic schools, ensuring recruitment activity is coordinated, effective and aligned with institutional priorities. They will also maintain accurate records within the University's CRM system, respond to enquiries from prospective students and contribute to the development of promotional materials and communications. This is a dynamic and externally focused role requiring excellent communication, organisational and relationship building skills. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, comfortable managing a varied schedule of recruitment activity, and committed to promoting the opportunities available at Queen's University Belfast to prospective students across Great Britain. This is a remote role based in the south of England, with regular travel across the region to deliver recruitment activity. The postholder will also be required to travel to Belfast for key recruitment events, such as Open Days and Offer Holder Days, as required. About the person The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: A degree (or equivalent qualification) or substantial relevant professional experience. Significant experience in marketing, business development, student recruitment or a customer focused role within the education sector or a service oriented organisation. Experience delivering presentations or information sessions to a range of audiences. The role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend work, as well as regular travel to schools, recruitment fairs and events primarily across the south of England. Public transport is not a feasible mode of transportation, therefore candidates must hold a full driving licence allowing them to travel as required.
Salary
£35,136 - £40,316 per annum
Posted
30 Mar 2026
Research Fellow, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
United Kingdom, Belfast
About the job To lead the technical development, optimisation, validation, and field deployment of a smart optical nitrate sensor platform within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast. The post holder will support the progression of the technology from TRL 4/5 to TRL 6/7 under the Invest NI Proof of Concept (PoC) Stage 2 programme, ensuring robust analytical validation, prototype refinement, and preparation for commercialisation via spin-out or licensing. The role will combine advanced analytical chemistry, microfluidic systems development, and applied environmental testing with translational activity including prototype deployment, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory validation support. The post holder will work closely with the Academic Lead, Delivery Lead, QUBIS Commercialisation Manager, and external partners to de-risk the technology across technical and commercial dimensions. About the person The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria: Have or about to obtain a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline. Recent relevant research experience to include: Demonstrable expertise in instrumental analytical techniques (e.g. ion chromatography, spectroscopy, or related methods). Demonstrable familiarity with technology translation,commercialisation of research, or similar entrepreneurial activity. Experience in method development, validation, and quantitative data analysis. Experience working with complex sample matrices (e.g. environmental waters, agricultural runoff, wastewater). Strong data handling and statistical analysis capability. Publication record commensurate with stage of career 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 21 months or until 31 January 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. 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
£41,519 - £49,536 per annum
Posted
23 Mar 2026
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