Overview
Research Associate in Laser Surface Texturing for EV Battery Manufacturing at Heriot-Watt University.
Description The Research Associate will work on developing and demonstrating laser-based surface texturing for application to electric vehicle battery manufacturing, in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the University of West of Scotland, as part of the EPSRC-funded SURFACTANT project.
Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Grade: Grade 7 (£37,236 - £47,389)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (36 Months)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
* General tasks will involve engineering and scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings, as well as national and international conferences.
* contribute to experimental design and procedure as part of a collaborative decision-making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models and data analysis.
* Maintain the day-to-day operation of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators; assist in developing student research skills; contribute to teaching in relevant taught courses within Physics and Engineering at Heriot-Watt.
* Participate in outreach activities, with roles that may include interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for schools.
Essential Criteria
* Place of Work: This role is based on the Heriot-Watt Edinburgh campus; remote or hybrid working is not suitable. Some travel to project partners will be required (University of Sheffield, AMRC North West, University of West of Scotland).
* Education, Qualifications and Experience: A PhD or Engineering Doctorate in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering (or a thesis submitted by the closing date). Ability to articulate research work in written reports and oral presentations. Proven academic ability and high level technical competence in experimental science and data analysis/modelling. Ability to progress work on own initiative with evidence of research ability.
* Skills and Experience: Experience with lasers and optics applied to engineering; experience with applications of high power lasers; strong experimental skills; experience in leading the writing of scientific papers; understanding and adherence to information security practices; energy and enthusiasm for the project.
Desirable Criteria
* Previous experience working in a laser applications research environment.
* Demonstrated skills in laser-based surface processing, sensors for monitoring laser-based processes, and laser system setup/maintenance for laser-based materials processing.
* Lead authorship of experimental development reports/publications; ability to lead a project and maintain focus on aims; implementation of rigorous engineering processes and scientific method; ability to collaborate with senior and junior team members; establish close working relationships with external project partners.
About Our Team
Heriot-Watt is pioneering laser-based manufacturing processes and applications across industrial sectors. The High Power Laser Applications (HPLA) group works with a range of laser sources to address challenges in laser-based manufacturing, under Prof Duncan Hand and Dr Richard Carter; the SURFACTANT project team also includes Prof Martin McCoustra.
Travel
Travel to project partners for face-to-face technical and review meetings, and for collaborative working. Annual national conference and at least one international conference are expected.
How To Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system: a cover letter describing interest and how you meet the essential/desired criteria, and a full CV. Applications can be submitted until Tuesday, 21st October 2025. For further information and informal discussion, contact Prof Duncan Hand via email D.P.Hand@hw.ac.uk.
Equal Opportunity
Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity and an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all sectors of society and value diversity across our university community.
Job Functions
* Engineering and Information Technology
* Industries: Higher Education
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