Job Description

Job Category: Academic
:
College of Science & Engineering / School of Engineering / Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids
Grade UE07: 41,064 - 48,822 per annum
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: up to 24 months
The Opportunity:
This Research Associate position will contribute to the 'Novel Implementation of LASEM Capability for Rapid Screening of Energetic Materials' project within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by DSTL and in collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory - Aberdeen Proving Grounds (USA).
This project focuses on experimental measurements that provide quantifiable measurements of inherent reactivity of solid-materials by way of tracking laser-induced air shock phenomena. We are particularly interested in quantifying the net energetics of the gas-phase reactions and the pressure rise behind the resultant shock front to correlate to fundamental exothermic decomposition processes. We are hiring a PDRA who has experience with:

• High-speed imaging and/or

• Spectroscopy, especially Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

applied to reacting or non-equilibrium systems.
Strong candidates will have experience with high-speed imaging and/or laser diagnostics for reacting systems. Strong candidates will also exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and apply them for fundamental investigations of chemical energy output from laser material interactions. Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as Engineering or Physical Chemistry or Physics.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to work in a growing area for understanding the inherent reactivity of solid energetic materials with opportunities to be part of the first team to explore expanding the technique to broader classes of compounds relevant to industrial and consumer safety.
This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months
Your skills and attributes for success:

• Proven track record with optical diagnostics (including techniques such as high-speed imaging or spectroscopy)
• Experience with energetic materials or laser induced plasmas
• Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation related to high-temperature kinetics

A full list of main responsibilities and the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description below.
Click for a copy of the full job description
Please apply including a cover letter and CV
As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

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Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 15 September 2025.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About the Team:
Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, growing rapidly in the last 5 years, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.
The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.
The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.22.0M in 2020/21.
We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.
Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: