Associate Professor in Forensic Science

This is an exceptional moment to join Northumbria University’s forensic science community. We are recruiting Associate Professors as part of a strategic expansion that will see up to 10 new appointments across all career stages, building critical mass and research capacity at a time of significant institutional investment.

You will help shape the future direction of forensic science research and teaching, contribute to new research initiatives, and support the next generation of academics—all within a newly‑formed School with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and strong institutional support.

The School of Geography and Natural Science is at an inflection point. Following major institutional investment and strategic reorganisation, we are building one of the UK’s leading forensic science research groups. This is a rare opportunity to:

• Contribute to and support research strategy, and secure grants in your area of expertise;
• Contribute to degree programme development and help shape research facilities and initiatives;
• Support and mentor colleagues in the team—we welcome group hire applications;
• Access dedicated facilities including a Crime Scene House, in‑house multi‑omics capabilities (genomics, metabolomics, proteomics), high‑performance computing for bioinformatics, and expert technical support.

For these roles we seek academics with a growing reputation who can contribute to research leadership, teaching excellence, and external engagement.

• Professional forensic science practice—streamlined forensic reporting, expert witness testimony, and courtroom experience;
• Forensic analysis and interpretation—biological, chemical, digital, or trace evidence;
• Allied disciplines—forensic genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, environmental forensics, wildlife crime, or digital investigation.

This list is not exhaustive. We encourage applications from candidates whose work complements or extends our existing strengths. The role description and person specification for this role can be found here.

• A first degree in a relevant discipline and specialist knowledge gained through a PhD or equivalent professional practice;
• Experience contributing to high‑quality academic or professional teaching, learning, and assessment in forensic science or related disciplines;
• A growing track record of excellent research, doctoral supervision, high‑quality publications, and income generation;
• Commitment to supporting an excellent and inclusive student experience.

• Academic leadership opportunities in a growing School during a period of strategic investment;
• Competitive salary;
• Access to research funding, mentorship programmes, and career development support;
• State‑of‑the‑art facilities including dedicated Crime Scene House, multi‑omics laboratories, and high‑performance computing;
• Supportive, collegial culture with Athena SWAN Bronze award and commitment to diversity and inclusion;
• Excellent pension schemes, flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement;
• Relocation assistance available for successful candidates—we welcome applications from the UK and internationally.

The School of Geography and Natural Science is a vibrant, research‑intensive environment with 130 academic staff, 40 technical staff, 60 postdoctoral researchers, 150 PhD students, and 3,000 taught students.

Our research strengths span Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Sciences, Chemistry and Forensic Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Human Geography. We lead four of the University’s nine peaks of research excellence and rank 2nd in the UK for research power in Geography and Environmental Studies ().

Our extensive laboratory estate includes facilities for analytical and synthetic chemistry, molecular biology, genomics, mass spectrometry, chromatography, materials analysis, and a microscopy and bio‑imaging suite. We are partners in the Northern Eye cryo‑electron microscopy facility and host the Research England‑funded Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment.

• A covering letter explaining your interest and fit for the role;
• Full CV including research and education statements;
• List of research funding (with grant title, funder, amount, and your role);
• Your four best research outputs since 2021;
• PDFs of your top two publications.

For informal discussions about this role or group hire opportunities, please contact Professor Andy Shepherd, Head of School.

We welcome applications from the UK and across the world. Visit our web pages for details about Relocation Assistance.