Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (6 months)
The Post Details
The Smart Systems Research Group led by Prof. Marc Desmulliez at the Research Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems (ISSS) within the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has a long research collaboration spanning 10 years with Dr Phil Hands, from the Scottish Microelectronics Centre (SMC) at the University of Edinburgh.
Late August 2025, both Heriot-Watt university and the University of Edinburgh received funding from the Scottish Funding Council through their Proof of Concept Application Fund for the appointment of two Research and Innovation Associates (one in each university). The work involved is to test the efficacy of novel sensors into measuring the normal and shear pressure of compression garments exerted onto the skin of patients for therapeutic purposes. The researcher at HWU will be tasked
to test pressure sensors manufactured at the SMC with regards to their performance characteristics and, if necessary, create experimental jigs to look at normal and shear forces exerted on the sensors, to conduct 2 trials onto 3 to 5 healthy volunteers with input from research associate form the UoE and NHS Tayside and NHs Forth Valley.
The applicant will be part of a team of researchers at HWU and the UoE working on the manufacture and characterisation of such sensors.
Description of Duties
1. Design and carry out scientific and engineering experiments on the characterisation of flexible pressure sensors.
2. Retrieve, cure and analyse data obtained from experiments related to performance characterisation of the sensors
3. Work closely with the University of Edinburgh for the testing of the sensors.
4. Take part of the two trials of the sensor onto 3 to 5 healthy volunteers in collaboration with NHS Tayside and NHS Forth Valley.
5. Present research findings and plans at regular meetings with partners.
6. Prepare and edit scientific papers.
7. Participate in the broader work of the Smart Systems Research Group at HWU and Dr Phil Hands Research Group at the University of Edinburgh, including workshops, conferences or other meetings
8. Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities at HWU and liaising with external collaborators.
9. Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project as proposed by the two leaders at HWU and the University of Edinburgh.
10. Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
11. The ideal candidate will have a strong practical understanding in one or more of the following fields: MEMS; sensors performance; performance characterisation of systems; undertaking of trials with volunteers.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
12. Applicants should hold a degree-level qualification in a relevant area of Engineering or related subject.
13. Applicants should either have completed (or be very close to completing (e.g. final stages of writing up)) a doctorate degree (PhD or EngD); or have adequate experience.
14. Ability to articulate technical work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation
15. Must have proven ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis /modelling of the results.
16. Be innovative and able to apply themselves to work with a wide range of technologies e.g. drone manufacturing, material characterisation, evaluation and assessment of new materials.
17. Ability to formulate and progress work on their initiative with evidence of technical ability: problem-solving, flexibility.
18. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh.
19. Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
Desirable Criteria
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
20. Energy and enthusiasm for the project.
21. Experience of working with teams from different universities.
22. Experience of working with materials and systems.
23. Evidence of working in multi-interdisciplinary projects.