DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Smart Systems Research Group led by Prof. Marc Desmulliez at the Research Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems (ISSS) within the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has a long research collaboration spanning 6 years with the VOILA Laboratory led by Prof. Maria Ignazio Viola at the University of Edinburgh (UoE).
Early January, both Professors received funding from the ARIA funding agency under the theme Scoping the Planet for the appointment of two Research Associates. The researcher at HWU will be tasked to manufacture nanodrones capable of measuring powerlessly external environmental factors such as temperature, presence of chemicals and residual humidity, and broadcast wirelessly the obtained measurements to a larger unit. The nanodrone will utilise novel aerodynamic properties discovered by Prof. Viola whilst studying the seeds of the dandelion flower. The applicant will be part of a large team of researchers at HWU and the UoE working on the manufacture and characterisation of flying performance of nanodrones.
Post finishing 31 st of March 2027

ROLE: RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE IN MINIATURISED DEVICE MANUFACTURING

Grade and Salary: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 / Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (19 Months)
Location : Edinburgh Campus
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.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and carry out scientific and engineering experiments on miniaturisation of drones.
• Carry out testing of evaluation materials capable of changing colours with respect to temperature, residual humidity or in the presence of volatiles compounds.
• Work closely with the University of Edinburgh for the testing of the drones created by the applicant.
• Develop risk assessments and COSHH forms and work within the boundaries of existing risk management procedures.
• Present research findings and plans at regular meetings with partners.
• Prepare and edit scientific papers.
• Present research findings at workshops organised by the funder ARIA.
• Participate in the broader work of the Smart Systems Research Group at HWU and the VOILA Research Group at the University of Edinburgh, including workshops, conferences or other meetings
• Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities at HWU and liaising with external collaborators.
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project as proposed by the two leaders at HWU and the University of Edinburgh.
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• The ideal candidate will have a strong practical understanding in one or more of the following fields: drone manufacturing; functional materials; material characterisation, wireless communication systems, performance characterisation of systems.