Research Assistant; Adjunct Appointment Campus

Position Title

Research Assistant (Adjunct Appointment)

Eco Gen Envelopes:
IoT-Enabled Energy Harvesting Roof Tiles for Smart Responsive Infrastructure.

Adjunct Appointment – contract duration of 10 months (can be extended with a break between the two contracts)

Ideally by 1st April 2026

Heriot-Watt University (HWU) 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 languages.

Eco Gen Envelopes is a Dubai Future Foundation–funded research project developing the next generation of IoT‑enabled, thermoelectric energy-harvesting roof tiles that integrate Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs), Phase Change Materials (PCMs), and AI‑powered digital modelling. The project aims to deliver battery‑free micro‑power solutions for smart, climate‑responsive urban infrastructure.

The Research Assistant will play a central role in laboratory experiments, prototype development, digital modelling, field deployment, and performance monitoring of full‑scale demonstrators across pilot sites in Dubai, UAE.

1. Laboratory & Experimental Work

• Conduct experimental testing of thermoelectric modules, PCMs, and integrated energy‑harvesting assemblies.
• Operate solar simulators, thermal and electronic sensors, and electrical measurement equipment.
• Assemble prototype TEG–PCM roof tiles and perform durability, thermal cycling, and performance validation tests.

2. Digital Modelling & Data Analysis

• Support development of the AI‑enabled simulation and digital model platform.
• Run thermal–electrical models (COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent).
• Analyse field data (temperature, heat flux, electrical output) and contribute to model calibration and optimisation.

3. IoT Systems & Edge Integration

• Assist in integrating low‑power wireless sensor nodes with the energy‑harvesting system.
• Support testing of power management ICs and energy storage‑free electronic circuits.

4. Field Deployment & Monitoring

• Support installation of prototypes at two Dubai pilot sites.
• Perform on‑site measurements, troubleshoot hardware issues, and maintain data logging systems.
• Coordinate with project partners, manufacturers, and facility managers.

5. Documentation & Dissemination

• Prepare technical reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and lab documentation.
• Contribute to research publications, conference submissions, and knowledge‑sharing workshops.

Essential Skills

• Strong knowledge of embedded systems, embedded electronics, and software/algorithmic modelling.
• Experience with multidisciplinary IoT systems, including low‑power sensor networks and power‑constrained device architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with experimental testing in thermoelectric, heat transfer, energy systems, or advanced materials.
• Proficiency in using thermal and electrical measurement instruments for laboratory and field testing.
• Competence in numerical and multi‑physics modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, ANSYS, or similar simulation environments.
• Knowledge of signal processing, data acquisition techniques, and power‑management circuitry (highly essential).

Research & Analytical Skills

• Ability to design and execute experiments with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Good scientific writing skills for reports and publications.

Desirable Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of academics.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to work on pilot deployment sites when required.

Minimum:
Master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Energy, Materials, Mechatronics).

Preferred:
PhD’s degree in a relevant field.

Prior experience in research projects, laboratory work, or IoT/energy systems is an advantage.

Interested applicants must submit via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system a Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post and an updated CV.

Heriot‑Watt University Dubai is CAA Licensed; therefore, successful candidates will need to provide terminal degrees attested from a UAE institution accredited by CAA. Degrees which are not from a UAE Institution will need to have MoE equivalency. The successful candidate is responsible for getting their degree attestations done.