Research Associate in Fibre-Optic Shape Sensing for Biomedical Applications
Publicerad 2024-04-15
Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (Until December 2026)
Detailed Description
The Research Associate will work within the EPSRC-funded U-Care project, an EPSRC-Funded project aimed at developing transformative light-based healthcare technologies. The appointed candidate will be expected to develop optical systems for applications in fibre-optic shape sensing for high precision catheter path visualisation applications. The applicant will work with others in the U-Care team and will be expected to contribute to broader U-Care team meetings and other activities designed to support the project.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work closely with our U-Care research team. Regular communication with, and reporting to, our partners is an important part of the role. General tasks will involve engineering development; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.
In detail the post holder is required to:
Design and carry out scientific and engineering experiments on fibre-optic shape sensing. Work with research partners at Edinburgh and Bath universities to develop and apply the systems developed. Develop risk assessments and COSHH forms and work within the boundaries of existing risk management procedures. Present research findings and plans at regular internal meetings, and meetings with collaborators. Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research. Prepare and edit scientific publications. Present research findings at conferences. Participate in the broader work of the Research Group, including industrial outreach e.g. at workshops, conferences or other meetings. Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators. Assist the development of student research skills, and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching assistant and supervision duties. The ideal candidate will have a strong practical understanding in one or more of the following fields: optical metrology, fibre optic systems. Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
Applicants should hold a degree-level qualification in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject. Applicants should have completed a doctorate degree (PhD or EngD), or be very close to completing (e.g. final stages of writing up). Ability to articulate technical work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation. Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis /modelling of the results. Be innovative and able to apply themselves to work with a wide range of technologies e.g. fibre optic sensing, optical system design, construction and testing. Ability to formulate and progress work on their 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 with the collaborators at other Universities. Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively. Desirable Criteria
Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students. Energy and enthusiasm for the project. Experience in fibre optic sensing, and fibre-optic shape sensing in particular. Travel
Visits to the partner universities for meetings and collaborative working.
National and international conference attendance.
About our Team
