Research Associate - Innovation Expert Mathematics-Driven Innovation Centre; M-DICE

Description

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.

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and finance. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

Successful candidates will be a staff member within the School 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 (a role comparable to the Innovation Research Associate roles (InRA) in other institutions) 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.

Research Associate in Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Grade 7 (37,694 - £47,389)

Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 1 year. We have 2 opportunities available.

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

• 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).
• Knowledge,
  
  Skills & Experience:
  
  
  • 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

Applications can be submitted up to 23:55 (UK time) on Tuesaus 21st of July 2026.

Please submit your CV & 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…