Research Assistant/Associate in Miniaturised Device Manufacturing

Heriot-Watt University; Mid Calder; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Scotland is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to work on the manufacturing of nanodrones that gather environmental data. This full-time position offers a collaborative environment with the University of Edinburgh, focusing on innovative drone technology and material characterisation. Applicants should have a degree in Engineering or related field, along with relevant research experience. The role is part of a prestigious research project expected to last 19 months.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant area of Engineering.
• Experience with experimental science and analysis/modeling.
• Ability to articulate technical work in reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments on drone miniaturization.
• Evaluate materials for temperature and humidity responsiveness.
• Collaborate with the University of Edinburgh for testing.

Skills

Drone manufacturing

Functional materials

Material characterisation

Wireless communication systems

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Education

Degree in Engineering or related subject

PhD or EngD or equivalent experience

Job description

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Research Assistant/Associate in Miniaturised Device Manufacturing, Midlothian

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Job Reference:

ec27b570e2b9

Job Views:

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Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Role:Research Assistant/Associate in Miniaturised Device Manufacturing

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (19 Months)

Location: Edinburgh Campus

Detailed Description

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 6 years with the VOILA Laboratory led by Prof. Maria Ignazio Viola at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).

Early January, both Professors received funding from the ARIA funding agency under the theme Scoping the Planet for the appointment of two Research Associates. The researcher at HWU will be tasked to manufacture nanodrones capable of measuring powerlessly external environmental factors such as temperature, presence of chemicals and residual humidity, and broadcast wirelessly the obtained measurements to a larger unit. The nanodrone will utilise novel aerodynamic properties discovered by Prof. Viola whilst studying the seeds of the dandelion flower. The applicant will be part of a large team of researchers at HWU and the UoE working on the manufacture and characterisation of flying performance of nanodrones.

Post finishing 31st of March 2027

About our Team

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in 5 research institutes: the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics & BioEngineering. REF2021 named Heriot-Watt University in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. Heriot-Watt ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in championing employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics.

In addition we deliver teaching across 6 undergraduate and post-graduate programmes: Chemistry; Physics; Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Brewing & Distilling.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and carry out scientific and engineering experiments on miniaturisation of drones.
• Carry out testing of evaluation materials capable of changing colours with respect to temperature, residual humidity or in the presence of volatiles compounds.
• Work closely with the University of Edinburgh for the testing of the drones created by the applicant.
• Develop risk assessments and COSHH forms and work within the boundaries of existing risk management procedures.
• Present research findings and plans at regular meetings with partners.
• Prepare and edit scientific papers.
• Present research findings at workshops organised by the funder ARIA.
• Participate in the broader work of the Smart Systems Research Group at HWU and the VOILA Research Group at the University of Edinburgh, including workshops, conferences or other meetings
• Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities at HWU and liaising with external collaborators.
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project as proposed by the two leaders at HWU and the University of Edinburgh.
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• The ideal candidate will have a strong practical understanding in one or more of the following fields: drone manufacturing; functional materials; material characterisation, wireless communication systems, performance characterisation of systems.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

• Applicants should hold a degree-level qualification in a relevant area of Engineering or related subject.
• 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.
• Ability to articulate technical work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation
• Must have proven ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis /modelling of the results.
• 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.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their initiative with evidence of technical ability: problem-solving, flexibility.
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.
• Experience of working with teams from different universities.
• Experience of working with materials and systems.
• Evidence of working in multi-interdisciplinary projects.