Research Associate: Sensor Development & RF Characterisation

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

9 buildings closed days

Total rewards calculator access

Flexible working patterns

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University invites applications for a five-month Research Associate position to support ARIA-funded research on miniaturised sensing and wireless technologies for bio-inspired aerial platforms. The role combines chemiluminescent sensor development with electronic high-frequency characterisation.

The successful candidate will develop experimental methods, analyse results, and work across the sensing materials and RF electronics workstreams, collaborating with Edinburgh partners.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience in sensor development or related fields.
• Experience preparing or evaluating sensing materials or formulations.
• Experience in quantitative sensor characterization and calibration.
• Experience in electrical, RF, microwave or high-frequency measurement and characterization.
• Experience using electronic test equipment and developing measurement systems.
• Experience analyzing data with MATLAB or Python.
• Strong experimental problem-solving across disciplines.
• Ability to organize experiments and deliver within short project timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop sensor materials and formulations with the project team.
• Quantify sensor response under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
• Characterise sensor performance, repeatability and stability.
• Develop procedures for RF/high-frequency characterization of micro/nano devices.
• Acquire and analyse electrical and high-frequency signals.
• Maintain lab records and prepare concise technical reports.
• Collaborate with external partners and project collaborators.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Sensor development

Electrical measurement

RF/high-frequency

Data analysis

MATLAB/Python

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

PhD

Degree in related field

Tools

Test equipment

Job description

Heriot-Watt University invites applications for a five-month Research Associate position to support ARIA-funded research on miniaturised sensing and wireless technologies for bio-inspired aerial platforms. The role combines chemiluminescent sensor development with electronic high-frequency characterisation.

The successful candidate will develop experimental methods, analyse results, and work across the sensing materials and RF electronics workstreams, collaborating with Edinburgh partners.