Research Assistant/Associate

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant - £33,951 to £35,608.
Research Associate - £36,636 to £46,049.

The Role
The Microsystems Research Group is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Research Associate to support the Northern Net Zero Impact Accelerator (NNZA) project: "Real-time Control and Optimisation for Boosting Microbial Electrolysis Cell Performance in Energy-Efficient Wastewater Treatment."

This project aims to advance a TRL6 controller prototype for microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to TRL7, enabling real-time optimisation of applied voltage and current to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve biogas production (hydrogen and methane).

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing, and
deployment of a real-time control and monitoring system integrating:

• Embedded hardware platforms;
• Control algorithms (e.g. PID, PWM);
• IoT communication (WiFi/LoRaWAN);
• Data acquisition and analysis pipelines.

The role involves close collaboration with:

• Academic team members;
• Industrial partners (Northumbrian Water Group, METzero Ltd);
• Field deployment environments (wastewater treatment facilities);

Duration of the post is 12 months.

Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/.

Find out more about our Research Institute: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/research/microsystems/.

We want you to feel confident when applying for a position with Newcastle University. If you'd like an informal discussion to clarify any points, please contact domenico.balsamo@newcastle.ac.uk.

To apply please upload a copy of your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined within the job description (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy. We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable. Click here for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics. Click here for a self-study e-learning module on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics.

Qualifications
Research Assistant

• Honours degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Research Associate

• PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, or related field.

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