Vacancies

Research Assistant in Thermal Energy Materials

Employer logo
Research Assistant in Thermal Energy Materials
Edinburgh Napier University

Country flag
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Classification symbol Research and Science
Salary
30805 - 37174 GBP /YEAR
Job posted on May 1, 2025
APPLY NOW
Job Description:

The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant to join an international collaborative project funded by the UK. The project aims to transform first—and second-generation byproducts into high-value, shape-stabilised Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for Sustainable Growth and Energy Efficiency.

The recruited person will develop innovative composite materials and participate in their testing and integration in different applications. The main tasks are preparing and characterising shape-stabilised composite phase change materials using sustainable materials and tailoring their properties for the intended applications.

  • Requirements Demonstrated laboratory experience in materials with expertise in material characterisation techniques such as DSC, TGA, SEM, FTIR, XRD, etc.
  • Masters degree or professional qualification in a relevant subject area.
  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g., Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Process Engineering).
  • Expertise in designing new experimental bench-scale set-ups
  • Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed academic publications.
  • Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, international and interdisciplinary research and development environment.
  • High-level analytical capability and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to undertake a placement in a European country.


We expect high-impact research outcomes and presentations at international conferences. Therefore, to be successful in this role, you will be a talented individual with appropriate lab skills and willing to learn and develop a new technical skillset with the provided support. The primary supervisor will be Dr Carolina Costa Pereira (c.costapereira@napier.ac.uk). Please contact her for further information.

We strongly encourage applications from diverse researchers, including those from underrepresented groups such as females, ethnic minorities, and first-generation academics. This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 12 months, including a 3-month placement at a European University. It has the potential for extension, subject to the availability of additional funding.

To view the role description for this position, please click here.

Our Excellent Benefits Package

At ENU, we offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer other excellent benefits including:

  • Minimum of 46 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)
  • A generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 17.6%)
  • 35 hour work week
  • Nationally agreed pay increases each year
  • Various learning and development opportunities
  • Access to our benefits platform Vivup which includes huge range of discounts across the UK’s major retailers, health care discounts and Cycle to Work


Salary: £30,805 - £37,174 Additional Information: Fixed term - 12 months Closing date: 11:59pm on 25 May Interviews: 4 June

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on several factors specific to the successful applicant. Check salary criteria for the visa on https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. Contact us to discuss individual circumstances on recruitment@napier.ac.uk If successful, the University will determine the appropriate visa route. The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. More details can be found here. We are a flexible Employer.

APPLY NOW