Heriot-Watt University
Research Associate in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (Wearable Sensors)
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Research Associate in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (Wearable Sensors)
Research Associate in Wearable Pressure Sensors (FlexiSense Project)
Grade and Salary
£37,694 - £47,389 per annum Fixed-term Full-Time Role (5 months)
Working Pattern
Full-time, 5 months contract
Reward and Benefits
- 33 days annual leave (plus 9 building closed days for full-time staff)
- Access to Heriot-Watt University’s total rewards calculator for benefit review: Total Rewards Calculator
About the Role
This Research Associate (RA) position contributes to the FlexiSense project under the Institute of Signals, Sensors and Systems at Heriot-Watt University, funded by EPSRC Cross-Institutional Impact Acceleration Award (IAA) funds in collaboration with University of Edinburgh.
The role focuses on wearable pressure sensor research, targeting optimised compression therapy through both independent research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Research Focus
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on wearable pressure sensors for compression therapy.
- Proactively engage with researchers, clinical partners, and industry stakeholders to define and implement:
- Future sensor target specifications
- A functional prototype for field deployment
- Perform sensor characterisation experiments (60% of time) using dedicated test jigs.
Research Dissemination & Collaboration
- Publish findings via internal reports, conference proceedings, and journal papers (15% of time).
- Liaise with EPSRC partners, including:
- Meetings at Heriot-Watt, University of Edinburgh, and the Pioneer Wound Healing & Lymphoedema Group.
- Possibly domestic/international travel (10% of time).
Research Development & Grant Writing
- Contribute to personal research strategy and wider group priorities (5% of time).
- Assist in grant bid writing to secure ongoing funding (10% of time).
- Provide guidance to colleagues (HWU/Edinburgh) on integrating findings.
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Key Relationships
Daily/Weekly Contacts
- Cross-functional project teams: academic staff, researchers, technical staff, PhD students.
Monthly Contacts
- Stakeholders (including industry and clinical partners).
Core Competencies
Problem Solving & Innovation
- Develop methodologies to address challenges in sensor R&D.
- Propose solutions through collaboration with project partners, technicians, and students.
Decision Making & Autonomy
- Independently allocate time/resources based on team/project needs.
- Prioritise tasks to meet short/medium-term deadlines.
Organisation & Leadership
- Work with line managers to define research timetables and achievable goals.
- Lead project meetings to propose new research avenues.
Values & Collaboration
- Lead for up to 2 PhD students and 2–4 Master’s students.
- Collaborate cross-disciplinarily with RAs, industry, clinicians, and academics.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree + PhD (or 3+ years equivalent) in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or related field (e.g., sensor/RF electronics design).
- Track Record:
- Proven research success in RF sensors, wearable electronics, or biomed-focused engineering.
- Peer-reviewed publications in relevant subfields.
- Soft Skills:
- Collaborative approach with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Self-drive, adaptability, and leadership under pressure.
- Strong communication (oral/written/presentation).
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Desirable Qualifications
- Biomedical/Electronics Induction:
- Experience in electronics for healthcare challenges.
- Commercialisation Interesse:
- Prior involvement in technology commercialisation (academia/industry).
- Technical Profinency:
- Direct experience in hardware/software design for medical needs.
- Social Engagement:
- Knowledge of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) best practices.
Key Environmental Considerations
Limitations & Risks
This role involves:
- Work/restricted access to non-ionising radiation (e.g., laser EMF sources).
- Exposure to respiratory/skin irritants (e.g., solder flux, adhesives).
Risk assessments (including health surveillance) will be conducted by the school and may incur protective requirements.
How to Apply
Apply via the Heriot-Watt recruitment portal:
- Cover letter detailing suitability and motivation.
- Full CV.
Deadline
23:55 (GMT) on Monday 06 July 2026.
About Heriot-Watt University
Vision & Values
Heriot-Watt fosters a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking research community where collaborative ambition drives real-world impact.
Diversity and Equality Commitment
Committed to equality of opportunity and eradicating bias in academia.
- Equality and Diversity Policy
- Follows national best-practice via the Disability Inclusive Science Careers program.
Flexible Work
Processes flexible working (e.g., part-time options).
Use the university’s total rewards calculator for benefit comparisons.
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