Research Associate in Bioengineering

Role

Research Associate in Bioengineering – Design, material sourcing, fabrication and implementation of a Microelectrode array scanning system for cardiac drug discovery and safety screening.

School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Grade 7, spine point 28 (£37,694)

Full‑time, 35 hrs per week;
Fixed Term (18 months)

33 days annual leave plus 9 building closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

This post‑doctoral research scientist role involves developing a cardiac drug screening platform under a British Heart Foundation translational award. The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and implement a functional prototype of a microelectrode array scanning system, generate new intellectual property, and contribute to a commercialisation strategy. The role also includes participation in a quality management system to ensure ISO compatibility, report writing, IP reviews, business planning, and regulatory documentation.

The project will be based in the Biophysics Laboratories at Heriot‑Watt University, working directly with Dr Euan Brown. Collaboration with other academic teams and weekly reporting of project progress are integral parts of the role.

• Work as part of a highly motivated engineering team.
• Design and implement engineering solutions, including prototype building and operation of equipment such as 3D printing.
• Analyze and interpret data, and communicate findings with research staff.
• Contribute to the implementation of a quality management system to ensure ISO compatibility.
• Participate in report writing, IP reviews, business planning, and regulatory documentation.

• A PhD in a relevant subject pertaining to the profile.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant area of Engineering or a related subject.
• Ability to articulate research work in written technical reports, papers and oral presentation.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on own initiative with evidence of problem‑solving and flexibility.
• Demonstrable experience with equipment builds and prototyping.
• Demonstrable strong design and innovation skills.
• Capacity for collaboration.
• Energy and enthusiasm for research work.

• Previous experience working in a translational engineering project.
• Knowledge of and construction of biocompatible tissue traps/microfluidic systems.
• Strong design‑to‑prototype skills.
• Experience with PCB design and integration of electronics.
• Experience with data acquisition software such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++.
• Practical problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstration of proof of ability to collaborate with senior and junior research team members.

Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating 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 its community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from under‑represented groups. Further information is available at  and

Dr Euan Brown is a biophysicist working at Heriot‑Watt University, whose laboratory offers excellent facilities for cell culture, micro and nano fabrication, and mechanical and electronic workshops. The laboratory hosts two PhD students and one PhD post‑graduate assistant.