Role:  Research Associate in Genomic Medicine

Department:  School of Biomedical Sciences

Grade: Grade 6/7 (£33,020 - £36,654 per annum)

Responsible to: Principal Investigator

Campus: Coleraine

Fixed-Term until 30th April 2028 / Full-Time

Job Purpose:

The post holder will support delivery of the PEARL-MAP project by generating, analysing and integrating molecular and multi-omic datasets to develop early-warning diagnostics for freshwater pearl mussel decline across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and cross-border catchments. They will contribute to eDNA surveillance and metabarcoding, genome, epigenomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, bioinformatic and statistical workflows, and the production of open-science and stakeholder-facing research outputs. In doing so, the post holder will help deliver key grant work packages and strengthen Ulster University's research profile in genomic medicine and environmental genomics.

Closing Date:   26th May 2026 at 23:30

Guidance regarding applications can be found here: https://recruitment.ulster.ac.uk/information-for-applicants/what-to-expect-from-the-application-and-interview-process. If you are still having issues, please contact Elaine Graham email: e.graham@ulster.ac.uk stating the vacancy reference number.

Click on the links below for any relevant documents – Please note, these documents will not be available after the job advert closes. Please ensure that you download and save these.

Candidate briefing document - Research Associate - 042246

Salary Scale

Please note:  Due to the minimum salary thresholds set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), this post does not meet the criteria for University sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.

Applicants are advised to review their visa options at:  https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

This role involves undertaking research activities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Candidates must therefore hold the legal right to work in both jurisdictions for the full duration of the post.

Ulster University is unable to sponsor employment visas for work undertaken in the Republic of Ireland. Applicants must already have unrestricted permission to work in the Republic of Ireland, in addition to the right to work in the UK.

If you have any specific queries regarding eligibility to work in the UK, the Resourcing Compliance team may be able to assist: Resourcing-compliance@ulster.ac.uk

We may create a 12-month waiting list for same or similar roles within the Department / Faculty.  The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.

Ulster University recognises the potential benefits that Generative AI tools (for example Chat GPT) may bring to some candidates during the application process. In particular, we recognise the positive impact such tools may have with regard to equality, diversity and inclusion. When using AI, however, we encourage candidates to use the technology responsibly, ensuring that submitted applications provide an accurate representation of your skills, abilities and experience. Our selection activities are designed to robustly test and evaluate the extent to which candidates meet the selection criteria outlined for each role. This includes the use of interviews, presentations, written exercises and other additional selection activities as appropriate for each role.

The School of Biomedical Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality in higher education. You can read more about what this means at https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/equality-charters/transformed-uk-athena-swan-charter and on our University website  https://www.ulster.ac.uk/peopleandculture/employee-benefits/equality-diversity/athena-swan. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working.