Heriot-Watt University
Research Associate
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate, 4D Geomechanics
Salary Range: G7, £37,694 - £41,064 Location: Edinburgh Campus (hybrid working available) Contract Type: Fixed-term, 10 months Hours: Full-time (equivalent 5 days per week)
Project Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Edinburgh Time-Lapse Project (ETLP) and contribute to advancing our research programme in 4D geomechanics. The successful candidate will build on the project’s established research foundations while helping to lead the completion of ongoing initiatives and the development of new research directions. This role involves working closely with industry sponsors, using sponsor datasets to extend and complete key research studies, and producing high-quality peer-reviewed publications that document and disseminate research findings. The postholder will also play an important role in shaping the future direction of the programme as preparations begin for the Phase X renewal scheduled for June 2027. The position is central to strengthening the research group’s portfolio, ensuring the timely delivery of strategically important outcomes, and supporting the continued success of the ETLP programme. About the Project: The Edinburgh Time-Lapse Project (ETLP) is an internationally recognised research programme focused on advancing understanding of time-lapse geophysical monitoring and geomechanics. The programme brings together academic researchers and industry sponsors to develop new methods for analysing subsurface deformation and reservoir behaviour using time-lapse datasets. The upcoming Phase X programme renewal (June 2027) will build on previous phases and further expand the scope of research in 4D geomechanics, making this an exciting opportunity for a researcher looking to contribute to a high-impact, collaborative research initiative.
Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Extend and complete research in 4D geomechanics, using datasets provided by project sponsors.
- Lead the preparation and publication of key peer-reviewed papers arising from ongoing research activities.
- Contribute to strategically important projects aligned with sponsor priorities.
- Assist in developing the forward research programme in 4D geomechanics in preparation for the launch of Phase X in June 2027.
- Contribute to project reporting and engagement with industry sponsors.
- Support the wider research objectives and collaborative activities of the ETLP team.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
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Person Specification
The appointee must have expertise in 4D Geomechanics
Essential criteria
Qualifications
- A PhD in geophysics, geomechanics, geoscience, or a closely related discipline.
Experience
- Experience in 4D geomechanics, geophysical monitoring, or related subsurface modelling approaches.
Competencies, Skills and Knowledge
- A strong track record (or clear potential) for peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience working with large or industry datasets.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in industry-academic environments.
The appointee will be based in the Geophysical Monitoring Group in the Institute of GeoEnergy, EGIS and physically situated at Heriot-Watt Edinburgh Campus. They will be mentored by Professor Colin MacBeth.
How to Apply
Please apply via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.
For informal queries, please contact Professor Colin MacBeth, C.MacBeth@hw.ac.uk [C.MacBeth@hw.ac.uk].
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday, 24th April 2026.
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 [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/ [https://disc.hw.ac.uk/] .
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Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages.
With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for business and industry. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs – so employers get work-ready industry-fit graduates.
Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.
We have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership and show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities.
For full details on our University please view our Careers at Heriot-Watt http://www.hw.ac.uk/about/careers-at-heriot-watt.htm [http://www.hw.ac.uk/about/careers-at-heriot-watt.htm]
The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society is one of the UK’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. We aim to attain excellence in the teaching of the core disciplines that contribute to a sustainable, resource and energy efficient society and are committed to undertaking high value, high impact research and knowledge transfer in topics of relevance to global challenges.
The School enjoys facilities consistent with its location in modern, purpose-built accommodation on the Edinburgh campus. The School is well equipped in respect of laboratories for materials, structures, engineering, building services and hydraulics research and teaching. Our research and teaching facilities in Dubai and Malaysia are contained within purpose-built campuses in Dubai Academic City and Putrajaya, respectively.
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