At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research and collaborate with industry partners to drive real-world applications.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a top UK institution known for its cutting-edge research and diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration across disciplines in a vibrant academic setting.
- Why this job: Make an impact in mathematical and computer sciences while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in applied mathematics or data science, with strong communication and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 £ per year.
Role: Research Associate in Mathematical and Computer Science
Grade and Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389)
FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 1 year. We have 2 opportunities available.
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of the role
Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. The University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a range of degree programmes in science, engineering, design, business and finance. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, with the largest international student cohort.
Successful candidates will be staff members within the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and will be working as an Innovation Expert for the Mathematics-Driven Innovation Centre (M-DICE). We welcome applications from candidates across a broad range of mathematical/computational areas, particularly including applicants with background in applied statistics or statistical data science.
An M-DICE Innovation Expert acts as a bridge between academic research and industrial application, driving knowledge exchange, project management, and commercialisation of new ideas. We have funding for two 12-month positions in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct individual and/or collaborative research project(s), contributing to the design, execution, and management of the project(s), including meeting project milestones and participating in regular discussions with collaborative partners and their line manager.
- Liaise with academics, industrial partners, in collaboration with the Mathematics-Driven Innovation Centre (M-DICE) to identify and develop interdisciplinary research projects.
- Participate in meetings of the unit and prepare and deliver presentations/seminars internal and external.
- Assist with the supervision and mentoring of postgraduate and undergraduate students working on related research projects.
- Publish the results of research in reports and high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals.
- Disseminate knowledge of research advances in computational science through activities such as conference presentations, workshops, and national or international research visits.
- Any other duties within M-DICE, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Essential Criteria
- PhD in applied/computational mathematics or statistics/data science or related fields (or close to successful completion)
- 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
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload
Desirable Criteria
- Evidence of working in a knowledge-exchange role in the mathematical sciences
- 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 23:55 (UK time) on Tuesday 21st of July 2026. Please submit your CV and 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 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.
Innovation Research Associate, Math & CS 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 Innovation Research Associate, Math & CS
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Heriot-Watt University.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Heriot-Watt University.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Research Associate, Math & CS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Heriot-Watt University that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Heriot-Watt University and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Heriot-Watt University, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Heriot-Watt University that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Heriot-Watt University, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
