Research Associate

at  Heriot Watt University

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (2 Months)
Rewards and Benefits : 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The PDRA will design and develop a coherent imaging system based on 1550 nm illumination and detection at visible wavelengths. We will build an interferometric imaging system based on the frequency-modulated coherent wavelength principle. The system will use a lock-in camera for coherent imaging. The initial goal is operation in a lab environment with the long-term goal of operation over 300m to 1 km.
The contract is for a 2 month period.

The post holder is required to:

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
• Design, build and test the optical configuration of a coherent imaging system transceiver. This may include simulations of the optical design prior to build of the system.
• Write research reports and publications based on the outputs of the work. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
• Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong experience in optical design. Good Theoretical understanding and experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or closely related field is highly desirable.
• Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
• General tasks will involve design, construction, and testing of optical systems based on single-photon detection; collaborating with local researchers on the lab-based experiment; 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.
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments.
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
• The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators

The post holder is required to:

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
• Design, build and test the optical configuration of a coherent imaging system transceiver. This may include simulations of the optical design prior to build of the system.
• Write research reports and publications based on the outputs of the work. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
• Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong experience in optical design. Good Theoretical understanding and experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or closely related field is highly desirable.
• Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
• General tasks will involve design, construction, and testing of optical systems based on single-photon detection; collaborating with local researchers on the lab-based experiment; 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.
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments.
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
• The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.