Digital Technology Research Associate / Research Fellow

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585) or Grade 8 (£45,585-£56,021)

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (until 31st March 2026)

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).

Detailed Description

We are looking to recruit a Digital Technology Research Associate or Fellow in Bioprocessing Training to join the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at the Edinburgh campus of Heriot Watt University. The post holder will work collaboratively to help develop and deliver digital training and outreach programmes to support future medicines manufacturing. They will be responsible for delivery of training and education using tools such as virtual reality and mixed reality (VR/MR) to drive digital transformation and net zero practices for educators, industry and NHS. They will train diverse cohorts of learners spanning the entire careers pipeline for industry, academia and NHS, sharing best practice with partners. 

The role holder will work with hardware (VR headsets) and existing software packages to deliver both pre-existing module-based practical training (e.g. GMP environments, cleanroom gowning, assembling bioreactors), as well as workplace skills (e.g. interview skills, inclusive leadership, difficult conversations) in a virtual environment, to a range of audiences (schools/colleges through to postgraduate and CPD). Some of the training will be hybrid whereby VR training will be followed by in-lab hands-on training, such as sterile technique, tissue culture, bioreactor assembly and downstream processing. The project aims to use digital tools to accelerate training and contribute to net zero (eg. reduced plastics, in-classroom lab learning).

The post holder will possess a strong interest in developing new ways of thinking in training delivery and training data analysis, to enable growth of the medicines manufacturing workforce and NHS. They will work with a nationwide consortium across the project, lead on digital strategies for inclusive and accessible learning, and make a major contribution to strategic discussions around digital transformation in education.

The postholder would ideally have a working knowledge of cleanrooms and/or GMP environment, experience of sterile technique and ideally bioprocessing operations. It would suit a person with lab/bioprocessing/bioproduction experience, with a zeal for training, looking to move into a more embedded training role and future career.   

The successful applicant will join the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3) as part of the Innovate UK-funded RESILIENCE Medicines Manufacturing Skill Centre and will also work closely with the team at the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), hosted by the University of Strathclyde.

The post holder will work on their own initiative and exercise a high level of judgement, skill and understanding to conceive, develop and implement long-term improvements to service delivery and effective ways of working within their areas of responsibility. The post is appointable at either Grade 7or Grade 8 depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

Planning and Organising  

You will be required to manage and prioritise a varied and complex workload to deliver within required time frames, and make a substantial contribution to the management, development and implementation of strategic and operational processes. You will also be required to report against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a routine basis.

Problem Solving and Decision Making  

You will be working under the direction of a senior manager, but with considerable autonomy to deliver the outputs required, as well as working alongside other staff involved with the project and in collaboration with the FlexBIO scaleup facility hosted at Heriot-watt university and managed by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) You will be working within the framework of existing policies, processes and procedures for the University, but there will be plenty of scope to review and shape processes. You will take day to day decisions on complex tasks in the team’s remit including identifying next steps as appropriate. You will manage complex projects and be responsible for delivering outcomes within a set timeframe. 

Internal and External Relationships 

This role will be liaising with internal colleagues and stakeholders, external stakeholders as well, sometimes with customers who have issues with the service, with an expectation on maintaining good working relationships with all. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver training to a range of target audiences ranging from schools to staff in professional careers including NHS staff, industry and life sciences students. 
• Maintain and update content for existing courses run by the RESILIENCE MMSC. 
• Be the HWU MMSC digital technology lead and contribute to a national strategy for digital course delivery using VR/MR and online tools.  
• Deliver training content to targeted groups of 10 – 25 and prepare findings for publication, seminars etc. 
• Collect performance data and analyse and interpret feedback from training sessions to further develop and improve content. 
• Oversee students/trainees on the training programme and provide guidance where appropriate to the content being delivered. 
• Contribute to developing new teaching platforms, content, and methods. 
• Present RESILIENCE MMSC outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Manage training-related administrative processes, including registration and onboarding of trainees, ensuring they are robust, flexible and operate effectively, interfacing with colleagues within the University, and external.  
• Manage a bank of training materials, ensuring that access is granted in line with project terms.  
• Operate lab-scale parallel bioreactor and downstream processing systems with support from colleagues to help deliver hybrid learning.
• Operate other lab equipment to help deliver other hybrid learning (eg. biosafety cabinets, microscopes and other sterile technique methods).
• Act as point of contact and maintain relationships with affiliate members and partners involved in training delivery. 
• Independently troubleshoot problems that may affect the achievement of the MMSC objectives and deadlines, with support from senior colleagues where appropriate 
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture 
• Support engagement with existing and new Industrial Partners to enable a broad range of knowledge transfer events, training and projects to be run; from training programmes, to outreach, to engagement with industry, academia and clinical affiliates and delivery partners.  

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential 

• Higher degree (Master’s or above) or equivalent level of relevant experience, commensurate with role level (G7 or G8) 
• Experience in the use of digital technology for education, skills, training and outreach 
• Experience in or knowledge of bioprocessing environments (eg. cleanrooms, GMP or production) or regulated research /clinical regulated environments. 
• Experience and passion for training in groups
• Excellent oral and written communication, team working and organisational skills 
• Understanding of the importance of equality and diversity issues in the workplace 

Desirable

• Good understanding of industry, academia, government and administration. 
• Experience in/knowledge of medicines manufacture (either upstream or downstream bioprocessing, cell therapy, biologics or pharmaceuticals)  
• Excellent organisational skills 
• Demonstrate ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of University policies and procedures and apply them in practice with the ability to interpret policy and offer advice to colleagues 
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures 

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV 

Applications can be submitted until midnight on Friday 10th May 2024.

Shortlisting to commence w/b 13th May and interviews to be held the w/b 20th May.