Research Assistant (Cleanroom)

Role Title: Research Assistant (Cleanroom)

Grade and Salary: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 4 months

Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff. 

About our Team 

The Single-Photon Group at Heriot-Watt have a long–standing track record in researching ground-breaking single photon detection and applications in quantum communications and single-photon imaging. With single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, we initiated and led collaborations to produce the first custom-designed InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode detector (2006), first strained SiGe SPAD (2002), and custom-designed Ge-on-Si SPAD (2013), and first planar Ge-on-Si SPAD (2018). 

In quantum communications systems: work in the field led to a world record transmission distance quantum key distribution system (2001); the first demonstration of a quantum key distribution system operating at GHz clock–rate over an optical fibre link (2004); the first experimental demonstrations of quantum digital signatures (including the first experimental demonstration of quantum digital signatures over installed optical fibre in the Tokyo network) (2015 and 2017), and several novel coherent state amplification experiments. 

We have pioneered single-photon three-dimensional imaging since the 1990’s and continue to innovate, for example being the first to make underwater single-photon imaging demonstrations (2015), first measurements through camouflage (2017), first measurements through fog (2018), and first single-photon full colour image reconstruction (2018). 

Our group has five laboratories with a total floor area of more than 120 m2, including space within a collaborative facility leveraging the skills and technologies of local EPSRC Quantum Hub colleagues. The research group has direct ownership of world–leading state–of–the–art equipment with a total value in excess of £3.5 million. 

Heriot-Watt University is leading a consortium of a further twelve universities and two national laboratories, supporting the formation of a new international research centre (Hub) funded by EPSRC for a 5-year research programme into Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN). The IQN Hub is supported by an initial £21.8M award from UKRI and additional industrial support, including ‘in-kind’ and direct financial support valued at approximately £20M. Furthermore, we have a global network of fellow world-leading researchers, offering the possibility of exchanges and collaborations. 

Purpose of Role 

The individual will provide technical support in the cleanroom. The applicant will be processing and analysing samples and will require, as a minimum, a first degree (MSc desirable) in Engineering, and experience of working in a laboratory. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The post holder is required to; 

• Work with colleagues and line manager in the cleanroom 
• Semiconductor sample preparation 
• Device fabrication 
• Manage the consumables in the cleanroom 

 Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Criteria 

1. MEng/PhD (or equivalent) in Electronic/Electrical/Chemistry Engineering or a related discipline. 
2. Analytical and technical problem-solving skills 
3. IT skills, proficient in the use of computers and general software 
4. Good communication and presentation skills 
5. Team player with good interpersonal skills 
6. Willingness to travel and perform laboratory work with partner institutes 
7. Availability to commence by 1 Nov 2026. 

Desirable Criteria 

1. Experience in industry or collaborating with industry. 
2. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment 
3. Demonstrable professional and proactive approach  
4. Experience in programming for data acquisition (e.g. MATLAB), analysis of data, and interfacing with multiple parts of equipment.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.

Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system. 

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 https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

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.