At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of virtual physics labs to enhance STEM education in Ghana.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-class institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and comprehensive staff benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team and contribute to meaningful research and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global education while developing cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields, strong web development skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.
UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 Per Annum.
College of Science & Engineering / School of Engineering / Institute for Digital Communications (IDCOM)
Full time - 35 hours per week. Fixed Term Contract: to April 2028.
The University of Edinburgh is seeking a Grade 7 Research Associate (Academic) to contribute to an international programme developing and evaluating virtual physics laboratories to widen access to high-quality practical STEM learning in Northern Ghana. The role will work within a multidisciplinary team and with project partners in Ghana and internationally, addressing constraints such as limited laboratory infrastructure, intermittent internet connectivity, and device/power limitations.
You will take a defined lead role in the design, implementation, validation, and deployment of interactive, browser-based virtual laboratory experiences and associated learning activities. Core technologies are expected to include JavaScript/TypeScript, Vue.js, Three.js, WebGL, WebAssembly, and physics engines such as Rapier. You will contribute to robust software development practices (version control, testing, release management, and documentation), ensuring that simulations are scientifically rigorous, transparent about limitations, and usable on low-cost devices.
A key aspect of the post is supporting offline/low-connectivity delivery, for example packaging and deploying resources to standalone local hosting platforms, and adapting learning analytics or formative feedback approaches to work reliably in constrained environments. You will also contribute to participatory co-design with teachers and universities in Ghana, and to capacity building through training materials, templates, and practical documentation to support partner sustainability.
The post-holder will contribute to educational evaluation and evidence generation using methods already, or to be, developed in our wider remote laboratories research group. These include surveys and the analysis of click data (e.g. using Python) and producing outputs suitable for reports, stakeholders, and academic dissemination (papers, conference presentations, workshops, and open resources as appropriate).
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD completed or near completion (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area, strong technical problem-solving ability, and demonstrated experience building interactive web-based applications or in developing science/engineering simulations. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures and disciplines are essential.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
The closing date for applications is 16 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time.
Research Associate in Virtual Laboratories for Physics Education in Ghana in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and community engagement, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave, and flexible working options, all while contributing to groundbreaking research in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in education and beyond, as part of a diverse international team dedicated to advancing knowledge and societal progress.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Virtual Laboratories for Physics Education in Ghana in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the University of Edinburgh. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially any interactive web-based applications or simulations you've developed. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and problem-solving abilities, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the University’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in areas like STEM education and community impact. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the job listings regularly; new opportunities pop up all the time, and you want to be one of the first to apply!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Virtual Laboratories for Physics Education in Ghana in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for physics education and how your skills align with the role. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it show!
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the Research Associate position. Focus on your relevant experience in developing web-based applications and any work you've done in educational settings. We love seeing how you fit into our mission!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical work, make sure to clearly list your skills in JavaScript, TypeScript, and any other relevant technologies. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do! Just follow the prompts and submit your documents.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the core technologies mentioned in the job description, like JavaScript, Vue.js, and WebGL. Brush up on your knowledge of physics engines too, as you might be asked to discuss how you would implement them in virtual labs.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you tackled technical challenges, especially those related to low-connectivity environments. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approached these issues, as this role requires strong problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this position involves working with diverse teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. Think about how you can demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview, perhaps by discussing a time you successfully collaborated across cultures or disciplines.
✨Prepare for Co-Design Discussions
Familiarise yourself with participatory co-design principles, especially in educational contexts. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with teachers and universities in Ghana, and think about what training materials or documentation you could create to support their sustainability.
