At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering team to advance geothermal energy through innovative research and engineering.
- Company: TownRock Energy and Heriot-Watt University, leaders in geothermal expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in subsurface reservoir simulation required.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 £ per year.
Role: Research Engineer – Geothermal Reservoir & Well Engineering
Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum
Contract Type: Part Time (0.5FTE/17.5 hours per week), Fixed Term for 24 months
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff
About the Organisation:
TownRock Energy is the UK's largest independent geothermal specialist, combining shallow, mine water and deep geothermal expertise to guide pioneering organisations from early-stage scoping through to delivery and long-term operation. With a strong track record across UK and international projects, TownRock Energy occupies a unique position at the intersection of technical rigour and commercial delivery in the rapidly expanding UK geothermal sector. Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading research university with globally recognised expertise in energy, engineering, and the built environment.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an exceptional Research Engineer to join TownRock Energy and Heriot-Watt University in a unique, jointly hosted appointment. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with both PhD-level academic training and hands-on industry experience in subsurface and reservoir engineering to contribute directly to the technical advancement of geothermal energy development specifically in Scotland, Ireland, Austria and Lithuania, and tangentially across Europe and beyond.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Reservoir Engineering & Simulation: Design, build, and run subsurface reservoir simulation models for tight hot sedimentary aquifer geothermal projects. Develop and implement coupled modelling concepts for well stimulation. Undertake reservoir characterisation studies including thermal-hydraulic modelling, geomechanical assessment, and pressure-temperature analysis.
- Well Engineering: Provide technical input to well design studies, including casing design, completion strategies, and well integrity assessment for geothermal applications. Support pre-drill well planning, site investigations, and drilling programme development.
- Reservoir Stimulation: Assess reservoir stimulation options in the context of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and productivity optimisation. Contribute to techno-economic evaluations of stimulation programme options.
- Research & Knowledge Development: Produce high-quality technical reports and research outputs. Contribute to academic publications and conference presentations.
- Collaboration & Project Support: Work effectively with multidisciplinary project teams. Engage proactively with academic supervisors and industry colleagues.
- Administrative & Compliance Duties: Adhere to the policies, procedures, and values of both TownRock Energy and Heriot-Watt University.
Education, Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
- PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Demonstrated experience of subsurface reservoir simulation.
- Practical familiarity with at least one industry-standard reservoir simulation platform.
- Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with software engineering best practices.
- Demonstrated practical industry experience in subsurface engineering.
- Experience of interpreting well test data and production performance logs.
Contract Duration:
This is a fixed-term appointment of 24 months, anticipated to commence in late Summer or Autumn 2026.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment. Applications can be submitted up to 23:55 (UK time) Sunday 13th September 2026.
Equal Opportunities:
TownRock Energy and Heriot-Watt University are committed to being equal opportunity employers. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Research Engineer – Geothermal Reservoir & Well Engineering in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University in Orkney is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of renewable energy. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful research and curriculum development in marine energy technologies. The unique location in Orkney, known for its pioneering work in offshore energy, provides a stimulating backdrop for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engineer – Geothermal Reservoir & Well Engineering in Edinburgh
✨Get Hands-On with Fieldwork
In geoscience, nothing beats real-world experience. Look for part-time roles that involve fieldwork—this not only boosts your skills but also helps you meet professionals who could lead you to your next gig. Consider volunteering for local environmental projects or research initiatives; these connections can be gold dust.
✨Join Geoscience Communities
Get active in geoscience communities, both online and offline. Think about joining professional societies like the Geological Society in the UK or local geology clubs. These are great places to network and learn about part-time opportunities, often before they’re advertised.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're currently studying or a recent grad, tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive listings for part-time roles in geosciences, and their contacts can help you score internships or part-time work at local firms.
✨Don't Underestimate Social Media
Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to follow geoscience thought leaders and organisations. Share your own insights, engage with posts, and don’t be shy about reaching out directly to connect. It’s a smart way to get noticed and learn about part-time opportunities like the ones at Heriot-Watt University. Check out their careers page too!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer – Geothermal Reservoir & Well Engineering in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Field Experience:When applying for a part-time role in geoscience, we recommend showcasing your relevant field experience. Whether it’s internships, projects, or even volunteer work, mention specific tasks you performed and what you learned—emphasising your hands-on skills makes a difference!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Geoscience roles often require specific technical skills and software knowledge, like GIS tools or data analysis methods. Be sure to list these prominently in your CV, and if you have any certifications (think software training or specialised courses), mention them—this is your chance to shine!
Craft a Motivated Cover Letter:Since this is a part-time gig, let’s show your enthusiasm! In your cover letter, express why you're drawn to this role and how it fits your studies or career aspirations. We're looking for passion, so don't be shy—make it personal!
Tailor Your CV for Geoscience Roles:We want to see a CV that’s tailored for geoscience positions. Make sure to highlight academic achievements relevant to the field, like coursework or research projects. Use metrics and specific terminology to demonstrate your knowledge, helping you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Techniques
Get ready to talk about your experience with specific geoscience techniques and tools. Whether it's GIS software, sediment analysis, or remote sensing, be prepared to explain how you've used them in past projects or studies. This demonstrates your hands-on skills, which is super important in our field.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since you're aiming for a part-time gig, it's a great chance to flaunt any relevant coursework, projects, or even your thesis. Put together a portfolio that highlights your hands-on experience and learning outcomes. This can set you apart and show that you’re not just book-smart, but have practical knowledge too.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview! Prepare to discuss how you would approach tasks like site assessments or data interpretation. Think about the challenges you might face in the role and how you can effectively tackle them with the skills you've developed in your studies.
✨Ask About Flexibility
Since it's part-time, don’t shy away from asking about the flexibility of hours and the type of projects you might work on. This not only shows your genuine interest in balancing your work with studies but also helps you gauge if it fits your schedule and ambitions.
