At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire students in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering while supervising projects.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in engineering education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future engineers and innovate in teaching methods.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and passion for teaching and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389 per annum) or Grade 8 (£47,389 - £58,335 per annum)
FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Fixed-term for 12 months
Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.
About our Team
We are looking to recruit a Biomedical or Mechanical Engineer (assistant professor) to join the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at the Edinburgh campus of Heriot Watt University for maternity cover. Applicants will ideally have expertise in biomaterials, as well as design and manufacture. The successful candidate will deliver existing teaching relevant to Mechanical Engineering undergraduate and/or Biomedical Engineering postgraduate students. The successful applicant will also help support student project supervision.
EPS has 250 academic staff across our campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia driving our teaching and research activity. EPS delivers teaching of various disciplines (e.g. Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Biosciences). Our research interests span biomedical, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, as well as toxicology, brewing and distilling plus chemical, physical and biological sciences. All areas are supported by strong external funding, with currently >£100M of active research grants. Academics are based in 5 research institutes: Institute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics & BioEngineering (IB3); Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS); Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering (IMPEE); Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences (IPaQS); and Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems (ISSS). The successful applicant could be associated with IMPEE and IB3 if they are interested.
Heriot Watt University holds an Institutional Athena Swan Bronze Award, as does the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, recognising excellence in championing the advancement of the careers of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
Purpose of Role
The role holder will be expected to lead and contribute to the delivery and assessment of several courses which could include Biomaterials (postgraduate), Biomanufacture in Bioengineering (postgraduate), Design and Manufacture (undergraduate) and project supervision. Exact teaching could change based on the expertise of the successful candidate. Teaching will involve the delivery of existing lectures, tutorials, and practical classes and may involve organisation of external expert speakers and field trips (e.g. to industry). The successful candidate will have opportunities to demonstrate innovation in teaching and deliver research-led teaching. The role holder will also be a personal tutor to undergraduate students. The role holder will be based in Edinburgh in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the role will require you to collaborate with colleagues in EPS as well as other schools at the Edinburgh campus, and potentially our overseas campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. There will be administrative responsibilities associated with the role such as reporting on marks and student performance. We are interested to consider applicants with or without research experience in biomaterials and biomedical engineering and stress that extensive research experience is not essential for this role.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Delivery of existing teaching (e.g. lectures, tutorials, practical classes).
- Invite external experts to deliver teaching.
- Ensuring students are engaged with the learning materials.
- Assessing courses (e.g. designing and marking coursework and exams).
- Carrying out course related administrative tasks (e.g. contributing to exam boards and participating in relevant committees).
- Act as a personal tutor for assigned undergraduate students.
- Supervising student projects.
- Delivering research-led teaching.
- Demonstrating innovation in teaching.
- Liaising with colleagues in Heriot Watt University and externally to support teaching delivery.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of activities 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.
Person Specification
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.
Essential
- A degree (PhD level or equivalent expertise) in a relevant discipline (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Biomaterials or Biomedical Engineering).
- Willingness and capability to deliver teaching for other engineering programmes relevant to the expertise of the role holder.
- Excellent oral and written communication, team working and organisational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
- Willingness to demonstrate versatility and flexibility.
Desirable
- Experience of developing/delivering training/teaching material.
- Ideas for innovation in teaching.
- Familiarity with online communication tools such as Teams, Canvas or Blackboard.
- Research or Professional Experience.
- Chartered Engineer and Member of the IMechE – or equivalent engineering institution.
- Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- A Postgraduate certificate in teaching in higher education.
- Experience of supervision or mentoring of students or colleagues.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Sunday 28th June 2026.
For informal enquiries about the position please contact Dr Alan Faulkner Jones (alan.faulkner-jones@hw.ac.uk).
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.
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.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Assistant Professor in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave and a commitment to diversity, the university fosters a collaborative culture where innovative teaching and research thrive, particularly in the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a real-world impact through engineering education and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Professor in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Heriot-Watt University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your teaching methods and recent advancements in biomaterials. We want to see how you can bring innovation to the classroom, so think of examples that showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your collaborative spirit! The role involves working with colleagues across various disciplines, so share experiences where you’ve successfully teamed up with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and highlight how your skills align with the job description. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your passion for teaching and engineering show!
Tailor Your CV:When applying, it’s crucial to tailor your CV to the specific role. Highlight relevant experience in mechanical or biomedical engineering, and don’t forget to mention any teaching or mentoring roles you've had. We’re looking for candidates who can engage students, so showcase those skills!
Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy:In your application, consider including a brief section on your teaching philosophy. We value innovation in teaching, so share your ideas on how you would engage students and make learning exciting. This is your chance to demonstrate your approach to education!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our university there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biomaterials and design and manufacture. Be ready to discuss your expertise and how it relates to the courses you'll be teaching. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in mechanical and biomedical engineering to show you're up-to-date.
✨Engage with the Role
Think about how you can contribute to the delivery of existing teaching and what innovative ideas you might bring to the table. Prepare examples of how you've engaged students in the past, whether through practical classes or inviting external experts.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with colleagues across various disciplines. Be prepared to discuss your experience in teamwork and collaboration. Highlight any previous projects where you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the support network available for new staff, opportunities for professional development, or how the university fosters diversity and inclusion. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
