Job Description

Job Category: Research
Degree Level: Masters
:
Research Assistant in Healthcare Sustainability
Grade: Grade 6 (31,236 - 36,636)
Contract Type: Full Time (35 hours - 1FTE), Fixed Term (18 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: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University
Detailed Description
Heriot-Watt University is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic candidate to help deliver research in the area of healthcare environmental sustainability. The successful candidate will be employed for a period of 18 months at 100% FTE, as part of a project entitled Diagnostic Discard: Exploration of material values in point-of-care diagnostic sector, funded by an APEX award from the Royal Society. This research project aims to generate critical conversations and influence sustainable decision-making in the lateral flow diagnostic sector, and the Point-of-Care diagnostic supply chain.
The recruited candidate will be responsible for generating a database of qualitative data acquired through focus groups and interviews with regulators, manufacturers and engineers, and deriving analytic insights into material perceptions and values. In addition, they will oversee the assessment of the capacity of the alternative material supplier base to meet market demand, and will lead the creation of a preliminary guidance document for the use of recycled plastics and alternative materials in lateral flow cassettes, covering aspects from engineering, manufacturing, economics and public perceptions. They will also develop the Diagnostic Discard exhibition to engage a broader public to consider diagnostic waste.
The post-holder will be required to demonstrate knowledge of sustainability issues impacting the medical devices industry. They will be expected to work as part of a wider research team, and with NHS and industrial collaborators and organise and facilitate workshops. The candidate and needs to be able to demonstrate a high standard of communication skills.
The role will be based at the University's campus in Edinburgh. The candidate will have the access to established university resources, and an induction programme will be delivered to the new appointee. Travel for data collection, events, and workshops is required.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Developing a research protocol, undertaking data collection, data analysis for the qualitative research
• Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims and objectives are met.
• Working closely with the supervisory team, develop and plan research objectives.
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to, for example, project lead, research team, collaborators, etc.
• Support the publication or research reports, conference and indexed journal papers in line with project requirements.
• Build appropriate networks within the team.
• Support dissemination and contribute to the preparation of technical workshops, seminars and conferences as appropriate.
• Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done so ethically and in line with both UK (GDPR) privacy and data protection policies, and in compliance with the requirements of the funder.

Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential

• MSc degree in a relevant discipline to the project: social sciences (social anthropology, history of medicine, science and technology studies, supply chain management), design (e.g., product design), or engineering discipline (chemical or biomedical engineering).
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, qualitative interviews, focus groups, or participatory design).
• Knowledge of sustainability issues impacting the medical devices industry.
• Possesses research and analytical skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative methods with strong capacity to conduct independent research with flexibility, self-motivation and ability to plan his/her own work
• Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills with excellent organisational abilities, including the ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Enjoys being part of an academic community, and willing to take a 'hands on' approach from the outset.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally for data collection and workshops.

Desirable

• PhD in a relevant discipline to the project: social science, anthropology, chemical or biomedical engineering
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, qualitative interviews, focus groups, participatory design).
• Experience of publishing papers in journals/ conferences

How to Apply
Applications with FULL CV (and Cover letter) can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday, 25th August 2025.
Shortlisting is anticipated w/c 25th August 2054 and interviews are anticipated to be conducted w/c 8th September 2025.
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.
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 and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.