Research Assistant in Design and Prototyping

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to contribute to the RAPID project, developing the next generation of intelligent railway adhesion-management technology.

The role involves designing and prototyping embedded sensing systems, testing prototypes in laboratory, rig-based, and field environments, and collaborating with industry partners to progress real-time prediction and optimisation of wheel-rail systems.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in design and prototyping engineering solutions.
• Able to work in a multidisciplinary team and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• From conceptual design to optimisation of embedded sensing systems for railway applications.
• Contribute to laboratory, rig-based, and field testing of RAPID prototypes.
• Work with industry stakeholders during compliance assessment and railway trials.
• Coordinate own work with others, plan project objectives and disseminate results.
• Present findings to investigators and groups overseeing the project.

Skills

Design prototyping

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Effective communication

Team collaboration

IT skills

Education

Honours degree in Engineering

Job description

Research Assistant in Design and Prototyping

Requisition ID: 29800

Location: Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Part Time

Posted Date: 2 Oct 2026

Salary: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum, pro rata

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 16 October 2026

The Role

Newcastle University is seeking highly motivated researchers to join the RAPID (Real-time Predictive Monitoring of Particulate Flow for Industrial and Infrastructure Decision-making) project, an ambitious programme developing the next generation of intelligent railway adhesion-management technology.

RAPID is addressi]ng one of the railway industry's most significant operational and safety challenges: the real-time prediction and optimisation of wheel-rail adhesion and sanding system performance. Working with industrial partner DB ESG, RSSB, and BrianRail, the project will advance a novel sensing and AI platform in field trials on operational railway infrastructure.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to technology with the potential to improve railway safety, reliability and sustainability worldwide.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Sadegh Nadimi.

This is a part time position for 18.5 hours per week offered on a fixed term basis for the duration of 9 months.

Key Accountabilities

• From conceptual design to optimisation of embedded sensing systems for railway applications
• Contribute to laboratory, rig-based, and field testing of RAPID prototypes
• Work closely with industry stakeholders during compliance assessment and railway trials
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in design and prototyping engineering solution
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Engineering or a related discipline

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 Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident 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.