Role: Research Assistant in Design and Fabrication of Bespoke Microscope System/ Bioengineering Design
Grade and Salary: Grade 6 (£31,236-£36,636)
Contract Type: 1 FTE (Full Time) fixed term for 5 Months
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of the Role
The Research Assistant (RA) will work on Design and Fabrication of Bespoke Microscope System to support ongoing research activity in the Applied Optics and Photonics Research Group, and also contribute to bioengineering design and planning work underpinning a future British Heart Foundation (BHF) funded project.
The Heriot-Watt Research Assistant will carry out a literature review, experiment with different microscope configurations, and undertake Zemax modelling, in order to develop an optimised design for the flexible microscope system. This will be followed by a procurement and build stage.
There will also be some CAD design work to support the BHF funded project (CAD training can be provided).
The project will be based in the High-power Laser Applications Laboratories at Heriot-Watt University, working directly with Prof Duncan Hand, Dr Euan Brown and Dr Logaheswari Muniraj. There will also be research interactions with the other academic and research staff.
The RA will report on project progress at weekly meetings. This will involve the preparation of informal presentations and short reports.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team. A willingness to learn new knowledge and skills is essential.
- General tasks will involve engineering and scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; communication with other researchers and academic staff involved in this collaborative research.
- The successful candidate will take responsibility for designing and implementing experiments.
- Engineering and optical design are important aspects of the work, and the candidate will also be expected to operate equipment such a 3D printing for prototyping of test devices.
Essential and Desirable Criteria
Essential
This role is based on the Heriot-Watt Edinburgh campus, and it is not suitable for remote or hybrid working.
Education & Qualifications
- A Masters degree in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject.
- Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports / papers and by oral presentation.
- Ability to formulate and progress work on own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility.
Skills & Experience:
- Experience with lasers and optics.
- Demonstrating strong experimental skills.
- Energy and enthusiasm for research work.
Desirable
Skills & Experience:
- Previous experience working in optical design.
- Demonstratable skills & experience in topics relevant to the project, including alignment of optical systems, systematic recording of data, and practical problem solving skills.
- Ability to collaborate with senior and junior research team members.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to 11:55pm on Thursday 14th May 2026.
Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment page.
For further information and an informal discussion about the post, please contact Prof Duncan Hand via email: D.P.Hand@hw.ac.uk
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g, part-time working and job share options.
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.
About the Team
Heriot-Watt is pioneering the development of laser-based manufacturing processes and applications and successfully transferring these to a wide range of industrial sectors.
The High Power Laser Applications (HPLA) group under the leadership of Prof Duncan Hand and Dr Richard Carter is part of the dynamic, multi-national Applied Optics and Photonics Group (AOP: http://www.aop.hw.ac.uk/) at Heriot-Watt University. The HPLA group uses a wide range of laser sources (from CW through to ultra-short pulsed lasers) to address research challenges in laser-based manufacturing. The BHF project is led by Dr Euan Brown, a biophysicist who works in the interface between Biomedical Science and Biophysics with particular emphasis on bioelectricity.
About Heriot-Watt University
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.
