Description Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Grade: Grade 7 (£36,924-£46,485) Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (6 Months) Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. 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 Detailed Description PDRA to complete the work described in an Impact Acceleration Award (IAA), focused on the commercialisation of research work relating to the development of an automated water monitoring system for protozoan pathogens. Sample processing is a major challenge in the monitoring of waterborne pathogens. This project will design and develop improved systems for sample processing, particularly focusing on detection of Cryptosporidium. The work is focused on optimization of process parameters to maximise performance and investigate limits of operation. Additionally, the work involves an element system integration to adapt an existing technology to create a sample processing unit, with a high recovery rate, that operates in an automated fashion. Key Duties and Responsibilities Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team Work closely with senior decision makers in the industry to enable a programme of work and the measurement of this Work as part of the broader IAA team (business development, industry partners etc) to help organize events and/ or support the work of the team as needed Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project, liaising with industry partners and potential end-users of the technology Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare proposals for funding bodies and investors Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School /University Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post Education, Qualifications and Experience Essential Criteria Qualifications PhD in relevant discipline (or close to successful completion) Knowledge, Skills & Experience Evidence of working together with industry partners and collaborators, aligning work with business needs Experience in design and operation and integration of mechanical systems, preferably fluidic systems Evidence of a developing publication record Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines Evidence of excellent administrative and project management skills Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload Desirable Criteria Ability to work with protozoan pathogens Knowledge of the water industry and water monitoring protocols Knowledge, Skills & Experience Evidence of success in delivering on externally funded research projects Evidence or knowledge to support commercialisation activities 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 Sunday 16th March 2025. Shortlisting will commence as soon as the role has closed. Interviews to commence week beginning 24th March. 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. 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.