The Role
The Microsystems Research Group is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Research Associate to support the Northern Net Zero Impact Accelerator (NNZA) project:
“Real-time Control and Optimisation for Boosting Microbial Electrolysis Cell Performance in Energy-Efficient Wastewater Treatment.”
The Microsystems Group has an international reputation for world-leading research in embedded systems, IoT, and energy-efficient computing, with strong industrial collaborations and a growing portfolio of translational research.
This project aims to advance a TRL6 controller prototype for microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to TRL7, enabling real-time optimisation of applied voltage and current to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve biogas production (hydrogen and methane).
The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing, and deployment of a real-time control and monitoring system integrating:
1. Embedded hardware platforms
2. Control algorithms (e.g. PID, PWM)
3. IoT communication (LoRaWAN)
4. Data acquisition and analysis pipelines
The role involves close collaboration with:
5. Academic team members
6. Industrial partners (Northumbrian Water Group, METzero Ltd)
7. Field deployment environments (wastewater treatment facilities)
Key Accountabilities
8. Design and implement embedded control systems for real-time optimisation of MEC performance
9. Develop and refine control algorithms for adaptive system behaviour
10. Integrate hardware/software co-design solutions for monitoring voltage, current, and system performance
11. Develop data acquisition and remote monitoring systems using IoT technologies (e.g. LoRaWAN)
12. Conduct laboratory experiments and field trials to evaluate system performance under varying wastewater conditions
13. Analyse experimental data to understand interactions between: Applied voltage Microbial activity Biogas production efficiency
14. Support deployment and validation of the system in real-world environments
15. Collaborate with industrial partners to refine system design for commercial readiness
16. Contribute to techno-economic analysis and scalability assessment
17. Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and documentation
18. Present research outcomes at academic and industry events
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
19. Strong background in embedded systems design and/or electronic engineering
20. Knowledge of control systems (e.g. PID controllers, feedback systems)
21. Experience with microcontrollers and embedded programming
22. Understanding of hardware/software co-design principles
23. Experience in data acquisition systems and sensor integration
24. Knowledge of low-power and energy-efficient system design
25. Experience with PCB design and prototyping
26. Ability to conduct experimental testing and data analysis
Desirable
27. Experience with IoT communication protocols (e.g. LoRaWAN)
28. Knowledge of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) or microbial electrolysis cells (MECs)
29. Experience with real-time systems and runtime optimisation
30. Familiarity with industrial or field deployments
31. Track record of peer-reviewed publications
32. Experience collaborating with industry partners
Attributes and Behaviours
33. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
34. Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
35. Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
36. Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
37. Capacity for innovation and original research thinking
38. Commitment to high research standards and ethics
39. Willingness to engage in fieldwork and industrial collaboration
40. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion principles
Desirable
41. Experience working in translational or commercialisation-focused projects
42. Industrial or applied research experience
Qualifications
43. Research Assisant :
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Electrical/Electronic Engineering Embedded Systems Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline
44. Research Associate:
A PhD in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, or related field (or equivalent research experience)
Additional Information
The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of:
45. Embedded AI/control systems
46. Sustainable wastewater treatment
47. Industrial decarbonisation
48. Technology commercialisation (TRL6 → TRL7)
The successful candidate will gain experience in:
49. Real-world system deployment
50. Industry collaboration
51. Innovation translation and impact generation
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 29266