Postdoctoral Fellowship (05) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

This Research Associate (RA) position will contribute to the “FlexiSense” project within the Institute of Signals, Sensors and Systems at the Heriot-Watt University, which is funded by the EPSRC Cross-Institutional Impact Acceleration Award (IAA) funds and in collaboration with colleagues at University of Edinburgh. 

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated RF/digital engineer to join a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between PNTaaS Ltd and Heriot-Watt University.

The role represents an opportunity to shape the development of advanced RF and digital Software Defined Radio (SDR) solutions for satellite signals of opportunity (SoOP) based Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems, particularly for GNSS denied environments. The successful Associate will be at the heart of the project, working alongside Heriot-Watt to develop PNT systems, particularly for GNSS denied environments. This role will suit someone who thrives at bridging cutting-edge academic knowledge with real-world industrial applications.

This project is embedded at PNTaaS and fulfils a critical need at PNTaaS. The Associate will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot-Watt University to PNTaaS and contribute to market growth for the business. This shall include, but not be limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the PNTaaS team on hands-on antenna, RF and digital development, laboratory testing, and close collaboration with academic and industry teams. 

The successful appointee shall be based at PNTaaS’s premises on Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Research Campus. and will also involve working with colleagues based at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic research lab on a British Heart Foundation translational award that will be implemented at Heriot- Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The position is for a post-doctoral research scientist with experience of practical engineering solutions (e.g bioengineering, electronic engineering, and/or mechanical engineering).  The candidates outputs will underpin the production of  a novel cardiac drug screening platform, with their primary responsibility being the production of a functional prototype based on the team’s current patent. (It is expected that additional novel IP will be generated in the course of the project.)    The successful applicant will also be expected to engage in the development of a commercialisation strategy.  

The post is based at the Heriot Watt University. The post-doctoral research scientist will work under the guidance of Dr Euan Brown and will collaborate closely with engineers at Heriot-Watt University (Professor Duncan Hand, and Dr Alan Faulkner-Jones).  In the wider project, the successful candidate will also collaborate with co-PIs Professor Shareen Forbes (Institute of Neuroscience and Cardiovascular research) and Professor Neil Carragher (Edinburgh Cancer Discovery Unit and Edinburgh) and their respective teams, in order to support the further development of the device for commercial readiness. This will include the development of the device with an automated high-throughput system for cardio-spheroid handling. 

The role also includes participation in the implementation of a Quality Management System to ensure ISO compatibility (training will be provided).   The post-doctoral research scientist will contribute to report writing, IP reviews, business planning, and regulatory documentation, working alongside experts in commercialisation and regulatory development. 

The AI Pathologist project is an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at developing an advanced AI-driven diagnostic system using 3D medical imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET) and explainable AI (XAI) techniques to support medical professionals in improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing workload, and enhancing patient outcomes. The Postdoc Researcher will play a key role in implementing system prototypes, managing data pipelines, and supporting the development and validation of AI models in collaboration with clinicians and engineers.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative partnership between Heriot-Watt University and Falkirk FC under the UK Government-sponsored Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. 

This full-time, 25-month fixed-term role offers comprehensive development opportunities, including business training through the national KTP programme, training on Falkirk FC systems and processes, and an annual training budget for tailored personal development. 

You will be primarily based at the Falkirk Stadium, home to Falkirk FC. The club was founded in 1876 and currently competes in Scotland’s top flight (the Scottish Premiership), having achieved back-to-back league championships and promotions in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. The project will also involve working with colleagues based at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh. 

Supported by academic experts at Heriot-Watt University, you will lead a project that harnesses supporter aspiration, engagement, and consumption to develop the club as a financially strong, community-owned football club and contribute to market growth for the business. This will include, but is not limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the Falkirk FC team in data literacy, digital marketing, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination.