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- Tasks: Conduct innovative research in transport modelling and analysis for sustainable solutions.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in transport decarbonisation research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future transport systems and contribute to green initiatives.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in transport modelling; coding skills in Java or Python required.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant international research community focused on sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 31600 - 37700 ÂŁ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 7, ÂŁ37,694 - ÂŁ47,389 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday – Friday
Contract: Fixed Term, 12 months
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
We are recruiting a Research Associate with experience in transport, supply chain and logistics modelling to contribute to the development and use of MILES and MATRA to support a significant research portfolio. The team at Heriot‑Watt maintains a suite of computational logistics and transport models known as MILES and MATRA, with the deployment of these algorithms allowing the team to model future green infrastructure, testing different decarbonisation solutions and analysing the effect on logistics patterns. This allows us to engage with stakeholders in policy and industry to de‑risk investment in green initiatives such as battery‑electric delivery fleets, as well as providing a virtual environment to test large‑scale infrastructure such as in‑road charging networks and to assess the vulnerability of such systems to disruption and climate‑induced weather events. The post‑holder will work closely with the existing software team to undertake development and analysis using MILES and MATRA and developing its links to other solutions from our multi‑institutional project teams, working collaboratively towards impactful outcomes that contribute to the goals of TransiT, DARe and ACES projects.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Delivery of novel research to directly address open research questions regarding decarbonisation of transport and infrastructure for future transport systems
- Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the multi‑institutional, multi‑disciplinary team
- Work closely with senior international stakeholders to deliver a challenge led programme of work
- Work as part of the broader Centre team to help organise events and/or support the work of the team as needed
- Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
- Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
- Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School/University
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential- PhD in relevant discipline (computer modelling of logistics or transport, agent‑based modelling, sustainable logistics, or energy transitions) or equivalent industry experience
- Experience of designing, coding and implementing agent‑based models (ABMs), using Java or Python based modelling platforms such as Repast Symphony or MASON, with an object‑oriented programming (OOP) approach.
- Operational Management and Operational Research.
- Proven experience in applying operational research techniques to address challenges in logistics, transportation and supply chain.
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
- Evidence of a developing publication record
- Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines
- Evidence of excellent administrative and project management skills
- Evidence of self‑motivation and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload
- Familiarity with sustainability, decarbonisation and resilience issues in the context of supply chain, transport and/or logistics systems.
- Expertise in Supply Chain Modelling, and/or simulation of complex transportation systems and the impact of different policies and interventions.
- Understanding of digital twinning (DT) approaches and ontologies
- Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
- Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
- Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 13th April 2026. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part‑time working and job share options.
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.
About the Team
Heriot‑Watt University is leading two national research hubs and participates in several other international research projects. TransiT is the UK’s largest research hub dedicated to rapidly decarbonising transport through digital twinning. TransiT will create a Federated Transport System of Systems (FTSoS), integrating digital twins across road, rail, air, and maritime transport modes. The programme includes a team of more than 30 research associates across 8 universities who will deliver this ambitious research. DARe (National Hub for Decarbonised Adaptable and Resilient Transport Infrastructures) is finding viable pathways and solutions for a transition to a decarbonised and resilient transport system that works for all. The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES), now the Clean Cooling Network (CCN), was established in 2020 to research the development of logistics and cold‑chain models with in‑country teams, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Heriot‑Watt team’s modelling techniques for infrastructure planning. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community of international researchers committed to transport decarbonisation.
About Heriot‑Watt University
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.
Research Associate in Transport Modelling & Analysis employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Transport Modelling & Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the transport modelling field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with MILES or MATRA, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Demonstrating your knowledge can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in decarbonisation and sustainable logistics. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Transport Modelling & Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Associate in Transport Modelling & Analysis. Highlight your relevant experience in transport, supply chain, and logistics modelling, and don’t forget to showcase your coding skills in Java or Python!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about decarbonisation and how your background aligns with our projects like TransiT and DARe. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Research Experience: Since this role involves delivering novel research, be sure to include any relevant publications or projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to our impactful research portfolio.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website before the deadline! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
✨Know Your Models
Make sure you’re well-versed in MILES and MATRA, the computational logistics and transport models mentioned in the job description. Brush up on how these models work and be ready to discuss your experience with similar modelling platforms like Repast Symphony or MASON.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous research projects, especially those related to decarbonisation and sustainable logistics. Highlight any publications or presentations you've done, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the team’s research portfolio.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with senior international stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss how you can effectively communicate complex ideas to non-experts.
✨Demonstrate Initiative
The job requires self-motivation and the ability to manage project deliverables. Prepare examples of times when you took the initiative in your previous roles, whether it was leading a project or finding innovative solutions to challenges.