Research Associate in Sustainable Textile Colouration

Heriot-Watt University; Galashiels; On-site; GBP 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious UK academic institution is seeking a part-time Research Associate to engage in sustainable textile colouration research. The role requires a BSc in Textile Technology and hands-on experience in testing. Successful candidates will undertake experimental work and collaborate with industry partners. This is a unique opportunity to be part of pioneering research in a vibrant academic environment.

Benefits

33 days annual leave pro rata

Collaboration with industry partners

Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental work on colouration and characterisation of textile materials.
• Prepare fabric samples and conduct eco-friendly colouration experiments.
• Analyse experimental data critically and accurately.

Skills

Hands-on experience in textile testing

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Education

BSc in Textile Technology or related discipline

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Research Associate in Sustainable Textile Colouration

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 Spine Point 28 - £37,694 pro rata

Location: Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels

Contract Type: Part Time (15 hours per week) Fixed Term (6 Months)

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Role Description

This part-time Research Associate post is funded through the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and forms part of a collaborative project led by Brilliant Dyes Ltd in partnership with Heriot-Watt University. The project aims to develop and validate a sustainable colouration process for textile materials.

Working under the supervision of Professor Danmei Sun, the Research Associate will contribute to experimental work related to the colouration and characterisation of textile materials. The role involves using facilities at both the School of Textiles and Design and Brilliant Dyes Ltd, working closely with an industrial partner, and participating in collaborative research activities.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to engage in pioneering research at the interface of industrial biotechnology and sustainable textile manufacturing, including contributions to publications, patent applications, and future funding proposals. The postholder will join the Sustainable Materials and Textile Innovation cluster at Heriot-Watt University, a vibrant research environment focused on advancing sustainable solutions for the textile industry.

This part-time role can also be arranged as a job share between two individuals.

Start Date: 5th January 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental work on the colouration and characterisation of textile materials.
• Prepare and pre-treat fabric samples and conduct eco-friendly colouration experiments.
• Use laboratory facilities and equipment at Heriot-Watt University and Brilliant Dyes Ltd.
• Analyse experimental data critically and accurately.
• Collaborate closely with Brilliant Dyes Ltd, including sample exchange, data sharing, and participation in project meetings.
• Contribute to project reporting, publications, patent applications, and future funding proposals.
• Work independently in planning and conducting laboratory work while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• BSc in Textile Technology, Textile Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in textile testing and characterisation techniques.
• Ability to plan and conduct laboratory work independently.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to critically evaluate experimental data.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous research experience related to textile colouration and finishing.
• Familiarity with standard textile testing and characterisation methods.
• Knowledge of sustainability assessment methods, including eco-efficiency and life cycle thinking in textile processing.
• Experience working collaboratively with industrial partners.

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 must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 5th November 2025.

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-Watt University 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-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/

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