Job Description

Role:

Laboratory Technician

Grade and Salary:

Grade 5, 26,707 - 31,236 per annum

FTE and working pattern:

1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday : Friday

Contract:

24 Months, Fixed Term

Holiday Entitlement:

28 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

The Hydrate, Flow Assurance and Phase Equilibria Research Group in the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is a team that conducts research on thermophysical properties of hydrogen and CCS fluids with support from industries. The role advertised here require the candidate to support the laboratory-based research undertaken by the group. This support will include performing detailed experimental programmes and reporting the results to researchers within the group, undertaking high pressure laboratory analysis and supporting PhD student projects. In addition, the successful candidates will contribute to: the general housekeeping of the laboratories, equipment calibration and maintenance, gas alarm testing, maintaining chemical and core inventories, and the health and safety culture of the group.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidates will receive training to develop several skills : density, viscosity, speed of sound, hydrate measurements, etc. These skills are not prerequisites, although any previous experience is advantageous. Applicants should hold a degree in Chemistry or related scientific or engineering discipline and should have experience in a laboratory-based environment.


Applicants should also demonstrate attention to detail, a disciplined and methodical approach to completing their workload, computer literacy, good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to collate and present data in a clear manner.


The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:


Completion of laboratory experiments designed collaboratively with research leads Generation and plotting of experimental data for review and discussion with research leads Contribution to all aspects of health and safety within the group Support of colleagues and students in delivery of research and pastoral objectives of group Maintenance and operation of analytical equipment Scheduling of sample analyses and analytical equipment usage QA/QC of analytical results Work within a team and maintain individual focus Engage with laboratory performance and health & safety protocols
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and as priorities and requirements evolve. The post holders will be encouraged to identify preferences for personal development and skills training. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.


We will evaluate applicants based on the essential criteria, not by the key duties.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential Qualifications


Degree in chemistry / relevant scientific or engineering discipline Experience with high pressure measurements
Experience


Experience in a relevant lab-based environment Performing detailed experiments, generating and plotting data generated for review
Competencies, Skills and Knowledge


IT skills Attention to detail and ability to demonstrate disciplined and methodical approach to workload to completion of tasks Ability to collate information and present it in a clear and engaging manner
Desirable


Experience in use of analytical techniques (such as GC, FTIR, etc.)

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on

Tuesday 21

st

October 2025.

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.


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 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.