Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sustainable Whisky Production

Overview

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sustainable Whisky Production

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term Contract for 6 Months

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff (Part-time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

This role will play a key part in delivering the project’s research and impact objectives through the conduct of high-quality, original research in close collaboration with the project team. The postholder will contribute to outreach and engagement activities, support the organisation of events, and help identify and secure external funding. They will work proactively to manage project deliverables, build internal and external collaborations, and contribute flexibly to the wider work of the Division/School/University.

• Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team
• Work as part of the collaborative group to help organize events and/ or support the work of the team as needed
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
• Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare research proposals for funding bodies
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School /University
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline (or close to successful completion)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Expertise in analytical science techniques including NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis-GCMS
• Understanding of the regulatory conditions pertaining, and overall landscape of the Scotch Whisky sector
• Evidence of a developing publication record
• Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines
• Evidence of excellent administrative and project management skills
• Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Understanding of the ecology of peat and impact of climate change
• Appreciation of methods of sensory analysis associated with whisky
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

Heriot-Watt University has a broad reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. This position is based within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences which boasts a well-established international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system.

Applications can be submitted up to midnight UK time on 27th January 2026.

Shortlisting and interviews will begin straight away.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers.

Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.