Job Description

Grade and Salary:

Grade 7 (36,924-46,485)

FTE and working pattern:

Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 18 months

Detailed Description

This 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 Responsibilities

The 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 note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the salary of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.


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

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential 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 (1 st )

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 Apply

Applications with FULL CV (and Cover letter) can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on

Friday, 20

th

June 2025.

Shortlisting is anticipated 24

th

June 2025 and interviews are anticipated to be conducted w/c 7

th

July 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 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/


We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.