Research Assistant in Healthcare Sustainability (FTC 18 months)

Contract type: Full time (35 hours - 1FTE), fixed term (18 months) 

Detailed description

The recruited candidate will be responsible for generating a database of qualitative data acquired through focus groups and interviews with regulators, manufacturers and engineers, and deriving analytic insights into material perceptions and values. In addition, they will oversee the assessment of the capacity of the alternative material supplier base to meet market demand, and will lead the creation of a preliminary guidance document for the use of recycled plastics and alternative materials in lateral flow cassettes, covering aspects from engineering, manufacturing, economics and public perceptions. They will also develop the Diagnostic Discard exhibition to engage a broader public to consider diagnostic waste.

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Key duties and responsibilities 

• Developing a research protocol, undertaking data collection, data analysis for the qualitative research
• Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims and objectives are met. 
• Working closely with the supervisory team, develop and plan research objectives. 
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to, for example, project lead, research team, collaborators, etc. 
• Support the publication or research reports, conference and indexed journal papers in line with project requirements. 
• Build appropriate networks within the team. 
• See full advert for full information.

Education, qualifications and experience

Essential

• MSc degree in a relevant discipline to the project: social sciences (social anthropology, history of medicine, science and technology studies, supply chain management), design (e.g., product design), or engineering discipline (chemical or biomedical engineering).
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, qualitative interviews, focus groups, or participatory design).
• Knowledge of sustainability issues impacting the medical devices industry.
• Possesses research and analytical skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative methods with strong capacity to conduct independent research with flexibility, self-motivation and ability to plan his/her own work 
• Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills with excellent organisational abilities, including the ability to meet deadlines.
• See full advert for full information.

Desirable

• PhD in a relevant discipline to the project: social science, anthropology, chemical or biomedical engineering
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, qualitative interviews, focus groups, participatory design).
• Experience of publishing papers in journals/ conferences

How to apply

Applications with FULL CV (and Cover letter) can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday, 25^th August 2025.

Shortlisting is anticipated w/c 25^th August 2054 and interviews are anticipated to be conducted w/c 8^th September 2025.

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

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

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