Research Fellow

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Salary: Grade 8 (£45,585-£56,021)

Contract Type:Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (36 Months)

Detailed Description

Applicants should hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related subject and have substantial experience in molecular modelling with either dynamics simulations and/or molecular based equations of state. Applicants will have experience with regular use of/contribution to GitHub or similar code repositories and be proficient in Python.

Applicants are expected to have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to write refereed journal articles and present work at scientific/engineering conferences. 

These full-time positions based in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot Watt University are funded for up to 3 years in the first instance. Post holders will be expected to develop independent research proposals (with support from Prof McCabe and Prof Cummings and others in the University including the university’s Research Engagement Directorate).

The intention is for postholders to transition to full members of the university’s academic staff (nominally Assistant Professor in the first instance). This will be dependent on achieving clear goals that will be set at the start of the appointment period in consultation with the corresponding Head of Research Institute and approved by Executive Dean. The goals will include publications and explicit contributions to grant income winnings. 

The posts are primarily research-focused, however an appropriate contribution to the support of teaching in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences will be required, and indeed this is an important part of development in order to transition into a member of the Academic Staff. 

This position is graded on the University’s Grade 8 scale, for which the salary range is £45,585-£56,021 per annum. The actual starting salary offered will be based on qualifications and relevant skills acquired. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Manage projects in terms of the simulation methodology that is most applicable, running simulations and curating the data. Manage codes via a repository (GitHub) and to maintain, document and publicize that code. Be an innovator, by developing and expanding projects over time, and presenting novel ideas to other team members for adoption.  Develop research proposals including for an Independent Fellowship  Contribute to supporting teaching within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.  Collaborate in and/or lead in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and present papers, posters and talks. Use and advise on the most effective usage of Tier 2 and Tier 1 national computing resources as suitable for the project. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and simulation techniques. Represent the research group at meetings and conferences, either with other members of the group or alone. Mentor junior members of the group (PhD graduate students or undergraduate project research students).

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/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria 

Hold a PhD or be near completion of a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related subject with a strong computational component. Have strong evidence of outputs from research, such as publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals. Possess excellent communication skills, including leading writing of journal articles and presenting results internally and externally. Show an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment.

Desirable Criteria 

Familiarity with GROMACS, HOOMD, LAMMPS and/or SAFT-based equations of state.  Experience in machine learning methods.  Experience with using and contributing to GitHub or similar code repository. Demonstrated proficiency in Python  Proven HPC skills 

About our Team

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has a strong international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology.

Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in 5 research institutes: the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics & BioEngineering. In REF2021 Physics scored top in the UK for world-leading research outputs, whilst in Engineering our joint submission with the University of Edinburgh was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research based upon the standard Research Power formula as used by the Times Higher Education. 

We deliver teaching across six programmes: Chemistry; Physics; Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Chemical & Process Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Brewing & Distilling, and will soon add Aerospace Engineering to our undergraduate programme portfolio. 

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in championing employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for business and industry. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs – so employers get work-ready industry-fit graduates. 

Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

We have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership, and show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities.