Description Directorate: The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Grade: Grade 6 (£30,805 - £36,130) Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (2 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. Detailed Description The post holder will support research activities by conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data, and assisting with experimental work. They will help coordinate research projects by organising meetings, maintaining documentation, and collaborating with stakeholders. The role also involves providing technical assistance in the lab, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Additionally, the post holder will contribute to drafting reports, research papers, and presentations for conferences and publications. The appointed individual will work on microplastic weathering and their characterisation. Key Responsibilities and Duties The post holder is required to; Research Support: Assist in conducting research activities, including literature reviews, data collection, and experimental work. Data Analysis: Process, analyse, and interpret research data using appropriate software and methodologies. Project Coordination: Support research projects by organising meetings, maintaining project documentation, and liaising with collaborators. Technical Assistance: Provide technical support in the lab, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Report & Publication Preparation: Assist in drafting reports, research papers, and presentations for conferences and publications. Education, Qualifications and Experience Essential Hold a Beng or MEng in a relevant area of Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related subject. Experience in FTIR, density gradient, SEM and other techniques of characterisation, Must have proven academic ability and demonstrable technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative. Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and companies. Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks). Desirable Experience of experimental design and integration. Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively. Energy and enthusiasm for the project. About Heriot-Watt 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 in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. Heriot-Watt ranked 3rd university in the UK in General Engineering using the Lancaster Power Ratings metrics. 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. In the 2019 National Student Survey Heriot-Watt University was ranked 35th in the UK. 90% of our students were satisfied overall with their course in over half of the University's subject areas. At subject area level the School ranked in the top 10 UK universities for Physics and we were 3rd in Scotland for Chemistry and 2nd for Mechanical Engineering and 1st in Scotland for Chemical Engineering. How to Apply Applications should be made using the Heriot-Watt University online recruitment system, and should include: (1) Cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 19th March 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/. 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.