Impact Engineer in Applied and Computational Mathematics (FTC 12 months)

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 (£36,924 - £46,485 per annum, pro rata)

FTE and working pattern: Full time (35 hours, 1 FTE), Fixed Term Contract for 12 months. The job is located at Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh Campus with regular travel to Orkney campus to meet partners of the project and events organised by the project. International and national travel may be required from time to time.

Detailed Description:

The role will focus on developing demonstrators, prototypes, and industry-facing tools to showcase the practical impact of cutting-edge research in applied mathematics, computational methods, and interdisciplinary applications. You will work closely with academics, including experts from the world-leading Applied and Computational Mathematics (ACM) research theme, and collaborate with industry partners, particularly in renewable energy and sustainability.

The Impact Engineer will engage with Heriot-Watt’s Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) and key stakeholders. Projects could include applying advanced image analysis, computational modelling, hydrodynamic modelling, and data-driven methods to solve critical industry challenges. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Heriot-Watt’s strategic goals in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and global Net Zero priorities while driving impactful collaborations between academia and industry.

Duties & Responsibilities

In general, to support the Applied and Computational Mathematics (ACM) theme and M-DICE in delivering impactful, industry-facing solutions.

• Develop demonstrator tools, prototypes, and pilot projects to showcase the practical potential of mathematical research.
• Collaborate with industry partners to identify challenges and deliver solutions using advanced computational techniques.
• Please see the link below for further information about the job duties and responsibilities

Person Specification

Essential 

Qualifications

• A PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Engineering, or a closely related subject.

Key technical skills

• Strong programming skills in one or more of the following: Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Experience developing and delivering prototypes, demonstrators, or computational tools.
• Familiarity with numerical modelling, fluid mechanics, image analysis, or advanced computational methods.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical applications for industry.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.

Interpersonal and professional skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage academic and industry audiences.
• Experience in managing and delivering collaborative projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Highly motivated with a proactive, solution-focused mindset and ability to work independently.

Other requirements

• Willingness to travel to the Orkney campus and industry sites as required.

For an informal discussion of the role, please contact at Heriot-Watt University: Dr Cathal Cummins at Heriot Watt University (c.cummins@hw.ac.uk)

How to apply

Applications with FULL CV and Cover letter. CV detailing qualifications, work experience, projects worked on, a publications list, and transcripts of their degree results can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Thursday, 13^th February 2025.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted w/c 24^th February 2025.

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.

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

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