Research Associate

at  Heriot Watt University

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£44,263)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Research Associate will work within the EPSRC-funded U-Care project, an EPSRC-Funded project aimed at developing transformative deep ultraviolet light therapies. Specifically for this post, the primary requirement is to develop technologies for actuating miniature catheter devices that will be used in combination with a robotic bronchoscope for sensing and biopsy analysis deep in the lung. The project will build on previous research into Shape Memory Alloy-based actuators. These are a technology of choice as they can be bio-compatible, can be powered remotely and create large forces and motion with respect to their size.
The applicant will be line managed by Prof Duncan Hand and work closely with him and with his colleagues Dr Yuhang Chen and Prof Bob Reuben. The applicant will also work with others in the U-Care team and will be expected to contribute to broader U-Care team meetings and other activities designed to support the project.

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work closely with our U-Care research team. Regular communication with, and reporting to, our partners is an important part of the role. General tasks will involve engineering development; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.

In detail the postholder is required to:

• Design and carry out scientific and engineering experiments on miniature actuation mechanisms, including shape memory alloy based systems
• Work with research partners at Edinburgh and Bath universities to develop suitable demonstrations of the actuation technology and its application to a steerable catheter for application in the distal lung
• Develop risk assessments and COSHH forms and work within the boundaries of existing risk management procedures
• Present research findings and plans at regular internal meetings, and meetings with academic partners
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
• Prepare and edit scientific papers
• Present research findings at conferences
• Participate in the broader work of the Research Group, including industrial outreach e.g. at workshops, conferences or other meetings
• Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
• Assist the development of student research skills, and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching assistant and supervision duties.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong practical understanding in one or more of the following fields: shape memory alloys; applications of high power lasers in manufacturing; miniature robotic actuators.