Vacancies: Research

Research Associate - Autonomous System Research -  Ref 32/10/W

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ref 28/10/W

A Research Associate post is available for 1 year in the general area of Autonomous Systems Research. Specific topics under study include:

 ·        Collaborative planning for co-ordination of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles

·        Intelligent search and reactive data gathering during underwater survey

·        Autonomous intervention using co-operating surface and underwater vehicles

·        Engineering of essential software architectures

You will join an active research group, the Oceans Systems Laboratory (OSL) in the Dept of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. http://www.oceansystemslab-heriotwatt.com/ 

The laboratory is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in the research of underwater systems, with particular emphasis on autonomous systems and vehicles, acoustic systems modelling and design, sonar & video signal processing and data fusion. With a multi-national staff of over 20, the Laboratory works internationally with industry, government and research organisations. Sponsors include EPSRC, EU, international blue chip corporates in the oil/gas and aerospace industries, the UK MoD and the US Office of Naval Research. The laboratory is twice winner of the SAUC-E Student Autonomous Underwater Challenge – Europe  http://www.dstl.gov.uk/news_events/competitions/sauce/index.php The laboratory is also part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership Joint Research Institute in Signal and Image Processing between Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Universities http://www.erp.ac.uk/sip/home_sip.html)   

Candidates should normally hold a good first and/or a post-graduate degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline. Industrial or other academic experience in robotic or embedded systems would be advantageous. Software skills are essential, particularly in C++, JAVA or ontology environments. Other relevant skills might include an understanding of AI methods and/or a good grounding in statistical signal processing and mathematical methods. Appointees should be able to develop ideas independently, and be prepared to work with others to refine and validate their approach.

Informal enquiries may be made to:  Professor David Lane  D.M.lane@hw.ac.uk  and Professor Yvan Petillot Y.R.Petillot@hw.ac.uk

 Ref    32/10/W                                           
Closing date:   26 March 2010

School of the Built Environment

Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Ref 40/10/W

Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Development of Design Guidelines for High-speed Railway Track Including Critical Track Velocities and Track Mitigation Strategies - Ref 40/10/W

The School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt University is one of the leading academic units in the Built Environment in the UK. The School has developed a significant international reputation for the delivery of industry relevant railway engineering research in numerical, full-scale experimental & field application. 

An EPSRC funded Post-Doctoral Research Associate is required to work on the development of numerical methods to solve critical track velocity problems in railway tracks. The post requires knowledge of wave phenomena, numerical analysis and computer programming. Candidates should be qualified to PhD level or equivalent and possess good communication skills. A track record in publishing in scientific journals is desirable.  

The post is available for three years. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Peter Woodward (P.K.Woodward@sbe.hw.ac.uk)

Ref    40/10/W                                           
Closing date:   26 March 2010

Institute of Petroleum Engineering

Experimental Officer - Ref 42/10/W

Experimental Officer - Ref 42/10/W

The Institute of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is one of the world leaders in the research area of reservoir hydrocarbon recovery including gas condensate recovery (GCR).  The flow of gas and condensate in reservoirs has been studied in the HW gas condensate recovery (GSR) research group since 1986, investigating several recovery process using flow visualisation, core tests, mathematical modelling and numerical simulations.  The current phase of this joint industrial research programme addresses issues of relevance to development of efficient and reliable methodology for calculation, design and productivity enhancement of gas-condensate wells.  To support achieving the objectives of the current phase an opportunity has arisen for the appointment of an experimental officer to join our research team.

You will carry out and support the experimental activities within hydrocarbon recovery research team including those related to the GCR research project.  You will use specialised experimental facilities operating at hydrocarbon reservoir conditions to examine the fluid and flow behaviour of gas condensate fluids, crude oils, CO2 and brine.  Duties will include

• preparation of experimental facilities
• running of phase and flow behaviour tests
• reporting data

Performing these duties require conduction research with minimal supervision and supporting PhD, MPhil research students to achieve the objectives of the project.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr M. (Jami) Jamiolahmady on 0131 451 3122 or email jami.ahmady@pet.hw.ac.uk

Ref    42/10/W                                           
Closing date:   7 April 2010

School of Engineering & Physical Sciences - Chemistry

Network Manager (Part-time) - Ref 43/010/W

Network Manager (Part-time) - Ref 43/010/W

Applications are invited for a Network Manager to work in the Laboratory Astrochemistry Group, Heriot-Watt University, under the supervision of Professor Martin McCoustra. This post is available immediately for 48 months at up to 50% full-time equivalent.

This post forms part of a large interdisciplinary training network (ITN) LASSIE in the field of SOLID STATE ASTROCHEMISTRY established with the goal of addressing issues of relevance to the chemical evolution of the Universe and funded by European Commission under the Framework 7 Programme. The successful candidate will be expected to work with academic colleagues, their research students and research assistants in a number of other institutions across Europe that comprises the LASSIE ITN in a coordinating role and to be proactive in delivering and developing the training and scientific programme of the LASSIE ITN.

Essential criteria: Candidates must already possess a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy or a related Engineering field or have at least 4 years of full-time research experience since obtaining their first degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy or a related Engineering field. They must also have relevant and demonstrable expertise in one or more of experimental physics, chemical physics, physical chemistry, surface science, laboratory astrochemistry and/or laboratory astrophysics within the last 4 years. Ideally, candidates will be expected to possess extensive knowledge of both astrochemistry and its practitioners in Europe and an established track-record in laboratory astrochemistry.

Ref    43/10/W                                           
Closing date:   7 April 2010

School of Engineering & Physical Sciences - Chemistry

Early Stage Researcher - Ref 44/10/W

Early Stage Researcher - Ref 44/10/W

Applications are invited for an Early Stage Researcher to work in the Laboratory Astrochemistry Group at Heriot-Watt University under the supervision of Dr. Martin Paterson and Professor Martin McCoustra. This full-time post is available immediately for 36 months.

This post forms part of a large Initial Training Network (ITN) LASSIE in the field of SOLID STATE ASTROCHEMISTRY established with the goal of addressing issues of relevance to the chemical evolution of the Universe and funded under the Marie Curie Actions within Framework 7 Programme. The project will involve computational investigations of the electronic spectroscopy and photochemistry/photophysics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in complex environments that model interstellar ices.

The successful candidate will receive salary and expenses in line with the provisions of the Marie Curie ITN actions. This highly competitive salary includes allowances for mobility, travel and career exploration as well as funding to participate in the wide ranging activities of the LASSIE network. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a research secondment (of at least 3 months) with one of the other academic partners in the LASSIE network and an industrial secondment (of at least 1 month) with one of our industrial partners. The successful candidate will also be expected to submit for a PhD at the end of their employment period.

Essential criteria: Candidates must be eligible under the FP7 ITN mobility rules and be available to take up the post as soon as possible. Candidates must have obtained a first degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy or a related Engineering field within the past four years and demonstrate relevant experience in experimental physics, chemical physics, physical chemistry, surface science, computational chemistry and astronomy, or theoretical astrochemistry and astrophysics.

Ref    44/10/W                                           
Closing date:   7 April 2010

School of Engineering & Physical Sciences - Chemistry

Experienced Researcher (Part-time) - Ref 46/10/W

Experienced Researcher - Ref 46/10/W

Applications are invited for an Experienced Researcher to work in the Laboratory Astrochemistry Group at Heriot-Watt University under the supervision of Professor Martin McCoustra. This full-time post is available immediately for either 24 months full time or for 48 months at 50% FTE.

This post forms part of a large Initial Training Network (ITN) LASSIE in the field of SOLID STATE ASTROCHEMISTRY established with the goal of addressing issues of relevance to the chemical evolution of the Universe and funded under the Marie Curie Actions within Framework 7 Programme. The project will involve investigations aimed at understanding the physical processes occurring when an icy mantle is subjected to electromagnetic radiation or bombarded with charged and/or neutral particles.

The successful candidate will receive salary and expenses in line with the provisions of the Marie Curie ITN actions. This highly competitive salary includes allowances for mobility, travel and career exploration as well as funding to participate in the wide ranging activities of the LASSIE network. The successful candidate will be expected to work with academic colleagues, their research students and research assistants in a number of other institutions across Europe that comprises the LASSIE ITN in a coordinating role and to be proactive in delivering and developing the scientific programme of the LASSIE ITN.

Essential criteria: Candidates must be eligible under the FP7 ITN mobility rules and be available to take up the post as soon as possible. Candidates considering themselves as Experienced Researchers (ER) must already possess a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy or a related Engineering field or have at least 4 years of full-time research experience since obtaining their first degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy or a related Engineering field. They must also have relevant and demonstrable expertise in one or more of experimental physics, chemical physics, physical chemistry, surface science, laboratory astrochemistry and/or laboratory astrophysics within the last 4 years. Ideally, candidates will be expected to possess extensive knowledge of both astrochemistry and its practitioners in Europe and an established track-record in laboratory astrochemistry.

Ref    46/10/W                                           
Closing date:   7 April 2010