Research Assistant

The School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to recruit a talented Research Assistant.

The appointee will join the research group led Dr Koidis working in the disciplines of food science and social science. The successful candidate will primarily work within a multidisciplinary team of leading researchers from Northern Ireland, Ireland (ROI) and Great Britain from the academic and professional/private sector with extended experience in the fields of allergen management and analysis, food regulation and consumer behaviour.

As part of the main duties, the research assistant will undertake fieldwork across N. Ireland and small part of the Ireland to assess compliance to legislation for allergen labelling and information provision of the food catering and hospitality businesses, as part of the research project titled: “The application and management of food allergen information for non-prepacked foods by the catering & hospitality sector on the island of Ireland”.

In general, the postholder will be an active member of the research project/team assisting in the planning and delivery of research activity within this safefood funded project. Priority will be given to candidates with research interests and expertise in the interface of social science and food science with some experience in food legislation. 

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:     

• Degree or equivalent in subject relevant to research activity (science or social science). BSc in Food Science, Biology or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in:
  • Social science or consumer research (e.g., as part of a project)
  • Survey to assess legislation compliance - in any discipline.
• Some practical experience of applying specialist skills and techniques required in relation to the fieldwork.
• A basic understanding of specialist knowledge in the discipline (food allergens labelling) and of research methods and techniques to work within own area (surveys).

Please note the above is not an exhaustive list. For further information about the role including the essential and desirable criteria click on the 'Candidate Information' link below.

This post is available on a part time fixed term contract for 8 months, or available until 31 July 2025, whichever is sooner. 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.

At Queen’s our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a staff member you will become part of a vibrant organisational culture, which will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through a continuous focus on learning and development.

We offer an excellent employment package that includes:

• Great terms & conditions
• Pension schemes
• Flexible working by enabling you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager through a blend of remote and office working
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement of 8.4 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit:  www.qub.ac.uk/diversity ; www.qub.ac.uk/qgi  and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Irene Grant at [email protected]

Candidate Information

About the School

Attractive Reward Package

Further Information for International Applicants