Research Assistant/Associate in Sustainable Medical Device Manufacturing

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University seeks a Research Associate for a 6-month project focused on developing sustainable plant-based materials for medical devices. The role involves conducting experiments, collaborating with industry, and contributing to impactful research in healthcare technologies.

Benefits

33 days annual leave plus 9 closed days

Flexible working patterns available

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related subject required.
• PhD or equivalent industry experience preferred.
• Experience in medical device manufacturing or sustainable materials is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments on plant-based materials.
• Evaluate biocompatibility and durability of materials.
• Collaborate with industry partners for material validation.

Skills

Technical competence in experimental science

Data analysis/modelling

Communication skills

Understanding of medical device manufacturing

Understanding of sustainable materials

Education

Degree in Engineering or related subject

Completed doctorate (PhD or EngD) or equivalent industry experience

Job description

Description

Job Title: Research Associate – Sustainable Plant-Based Materials for Medical Devices

Location: Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Contract: Full-time, Fixed-Term for 6 Months

Salary: Grade 6 (£30,805 - £36,130) / Grade 7 (£37,174 - £46,735) per annum

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leaveplus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Associate to join our interdisciplinary team working on the development and evaluation of sustainable, plant-based materials for use in medical devices. This exciting role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact, collaborating closely with industry partners and supporting the transition to more sustainable healthcare technologies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments on plant-based materials for medical manufacturing.
• Evaluate biocompatibility, mechanical robustness, durability, and sterilisation of developed materials.
• Collaborate with industry partners (Indenti Ltd, Tily Blooms Ltd, Glossbrook Engineering Ltd, and ABHI) to validate materials for medical applications such as dental aid devices and home insemination syringes.
• Develop and maintain risk assessments and COSHH documentation in line with institutional safety procedures.
• Present research findings at partner meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
• Prepare and edit scientific publications and contribute to knowledge dissemination.
• Engage in outreach activities, including the Edinburgh Science Festival, school visits, and public engagement events like “Borrow a Researcher.”
• Support experimental facility maintenance and liaise with external collaborators.
• Participate in broader research group activities, including industrial engagement and project planning.

Essential Criteria

1. A degree in Engineering or a related subject.
2. A completed (or near-completion) doctorate (PhD or EngD), or equivalent industry experience.
3. Proven technical competence in experimental science and data analysis/modelling.
4. Strong practical understanding in at least one of the following: medical device manufacturing, sustainable materials, or material characterisation.
5. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
6. Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and contribute effectively to team-based research.
7. Willingness to engage with a range of technologies and disciplines.

Desirable Criteria

1. Familiarity with ISO standards for material characterisation (biocompatibility, durability, sterilisation).
2. Experience working with medical devices and/or sustainable materials.
3. Evidence of working successfully in multidisciplinary and collaborative projects.
4. Enthusiasm for sustainability and public engagement.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV

Applications can be submitted until midnight on Monday 26th May 2025.

Please direct any queries about this role to Carolina Tacchella ([e-mail]).

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-WattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our websitehttps://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htmand also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careershttps://disc.hw.ac.uk/.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator:https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htmto see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.