Job Description

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 18 monthsDetailed descriptionThis 18-month, full-time position is funded by our industry partner PETRONAS through the PETRONAS Centre of Excellence in Subsurface Engineering and Energy Transition (PACESET). The successful appointee shall be based at the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering at Heriot-Watt University's Riccarton campus in Edinburgh.We are seeking a highly motivated, results-driven, and collaborative Research Associate to focus on understanding the kinetics of catalytic biomass waste pyrolysis and gasification. This position is vital to our research efforts, and successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research, planning experiments, managing daily lab operations, fostering collaborations, and engaging in outreach activities.Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

• Undertaking research in pyrolysis, gasification and kinetics analysis.
• Undertaking external collaborations.
• Working effectively as part of a research team in the development and promotion of the research subject.
• Plan and carry out experimental studies of catalyst performance in pyrolysis/gasification, including characterisation of catalysts and products.
• Understanding TGA, EA, GC-MS and FTIR analyses.
• Contribute to, and lead, results dissemination.
• Actively participate in the activities of the wider business.

Please see the advert for full details.Education, Qualifications and ExperienceEssential Criteria - these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.Desirable Criteria - these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.Essential:Qualifications

• A first degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or closely related disciplines (at least 2.1)

Experience

• Experience in conducting pyrolysis, gasification experiments and kinetic analysis.
• Have a strong track record of publishing high-quality journal papers (as the 1st author).
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and the ability to develop new ones using relevant software.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent IT skills
• Good report writing skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Good team player with good interpersonal skills

Desirable:Qualifications

• MEng Chemical engineering (1st)

Experience

• A proven track record of using various techniques to carry out materials analyses, critical evaluations, and interpretations of experimental data
• Experience of working with in-line analytical techniques
• Experience in simulating thermo-chemical processes (e.g. using Aspen plus)

Competencies, Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge in CFD modelling

How to applyApplications with FULL CV (and Cover letter) can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday, 20th June 2025.Shortlisting is anticipated 24th June 2025 and interviews are anticipated to be conducted w/c 7th July 2025.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 CareersPlease see the advert for full details: