Research Assistant/Associate in Micromanufacturing of Passive Wireless Components in Kilmarnock

Grade and Salary: Research Assistant – Grade 6 (£31,236 - £36,636 per annum); Research Associate – Grade 7 (£37,694 - £43,482 per annum).

FTE and Working Pattern: Full-time (35 hrs per week), Fixed-term (5 months).

Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 building closed days. Other benefits are available.

About the Team: The role supports the Smart Systems Research Group at Heriot‑Watt University and its collaboration with the University of Edinburgh on the manufacture and characterisation of nanodrones carrying passive electrical circuits for wireless signalling.

Purpose of Role: The position will manufacture passive electrical circuits to generate impulses that provide a wireless signal to an external receiver. The circuits will be integrated onto a nanodrone designed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. The work will involve design, testing, and optimisation of the drone–circuits system and will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Changhai Wang.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and carry out scientific and engineering experiments on miniaturisation of drones.
• Carry out testing of evaluation materials capable of changing colours with respect to temperature, residual humidity or in the presence of volatile compounds.
• Work closely with the University of Edinburgh for the testing of the drones created by the applicant.
• Develop risk assessments and COSHH forms and work within the boundaries of existing risk‑management procedures.
• Present research findings and plans at regular meetings with partners.
• Prepare and edit scientific papers.
• Present research findings at workshops organised by the funder ARIA.
• Participate in the broader work of the Smart Systems Research Group at HWU and the VOILA Research Group at the University of Edinburgh, including workshops, conferences and other meetings.
• Assist in the day‑to‑day maintenance of the experimental facilities at HWU and liaise with external collaborators.
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project as proposed by the two leaders at HWU and the University of Edinburgh.
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong practical understanding in one or more of the following fields: drone manufacturing, functional materials, material characterisation, wireless communication systems and performance characterisation of systems.

Person Specification:

Essential Requirements:

• Applicants should hold a degree‑level qualification in a relevant area of engineering, with specialisation in microwave engineering.
• Applicants should either have completed a doctorate degree (PhD or EngD) or have adequate relevant experience.
• Ability to articulate technical work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
• Must have proven ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis/modeling of the results.
• Be innovative and able to apply themselves to work with a wide range of technologies such as drone manufacturing, material characterisation and assessment of new materials.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on one’s own initiative with evidence of technical ability: problem‑solving, flexibility.
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot‑Watt and the University of Edinburgh.
• Capability to be self‑directed and think innovatively.

Desirable:

• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.
• Experience working with teams from different universities.
• Experience working with materials and systems.
• Evidence of working in multi‑interdisciplinary projects.

Application Process: Submit via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system: (1) Cover letter; (2) Full CV. Applications are accepted until 23:55 on Sunday 5th July 2026.

Equal Opportunity: Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and promotes an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all sectors of society, particularly from under‑represented groups. Flexible working patterns, including part‑time and job share options, are also available.