Research Assistant in Nanomaterial Science (Optical Trapping)Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic candidate to help deliver research in the area of Applied Physics/Chemistry – optical trapping and deposition of nanomaterials. The successful candidate will be employed for a period of up to 3 years (depending on performance) and will be required to fulfill the research obligations of a project entitledInvestigation of the Substantive Physical Mechanism of Optical Gradient Force for Solution-based Nanoparticle Transportation and Deposition on Fiber Ceramic Substrate . This research is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia underFundamental Research Grant Schemeand aims to develop a new theory of physics for optical tweezer effect in nanoparticle deposition.
The post-holder will be required to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of nanomaterial and optical science and competent experimental skills and to have a working knowledge of a range of topics within the sphere of their chosen discipline. They will also be expected to work as part of a wider research team, and to develop strong links with colleagues located at the Malaysia and Scottish campuses, as well as with those partners and collaborators related to the project.
All of the research activities and the project reporting will be undertaken in English and so fluency is essential. The successful candidate will also be required to register for a higher research degree, for example, Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy, for which a tuition fee waiver will be granted. As a requirement of the tuition fee waiver, the post-holder may also be required to tutor undergraduate students.
The role will be based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. The candidate will have access to established university resources, and an induction programme will be delivered to all new appointees.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
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, funding body, university research committee, research team, etc.
Publish research reports, conference and indexed journal papers in line with project requirements.
Build appropriate networks within and outside the team.
Support dissemination and contribute to technical workshops, seminars and conferences as appropriate.
Where needed, travel to partner universities (research collaborators) to carry out research and/or attend meetings presentations etc.
Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done so ethically and in line with both UK (GDPR) and Malaysian privacy and data protection policies, and in compliance with the requirements of the funder.
Provide tutoring and assist in the supervision of student research projects as necessary.
Register as a PhD student at our University and fulfil all obligations of this registration and course of study.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor degree in Physics or Applied Physics, Chemistry or Applied Chemistry, Material Science, Electrical/Electronics, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or related cognate discipline
Satisfies the entry requirement for MPhil or PhD programme of Heriot-Watt University
*For direct entry into PhD programme of the university with only a Bachelor's degree (without Master degree), candidate must have a First Class Honour for the Bachelor degree from a recognized institution.
*Candidate with a Master degree in appropriate discipline is eligible for entry into PhD programme of the university upon fulfilment of all entry requirements.
Experience
Knowledge of material science, optical physics and other related majors.
Clear communicator with good reading and writing skills; good at understanding and explaining concepts.
Basic hands-on experimental analytical wet chemistry skills.
Knowledge of optical tweezer, physical electronics, numerical analysis & coding/simulation (COMSOL Multiphysics, LabView,Python ) and other related specialists.
Possesses research and analytical skills with strong capacity to conduct independent research.
Research experience especially in material deposition, coating chemistry.
Experience of publishing papers in journals/conferences.
Successful completion of funded research and/or funded knowledge exchange.
Ability to conceptualize problems and develop well-reasoned and logical viewpoints.
Fluent (verbal and written) in English.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Hardworking, proactive, willing to learn new things.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Flexible, self-motivated and able to plan his/her own work.
Good interpersonal skills.
Craftsman spirit – embodiment of professional ethics, quality of work and value orientation.
Dedicated, focused and innovative in research.
Special Factors (if applicable)
Nationality must be Malaysian.
Enjoy being part of an academic community, and willing to take a 'hands-on' approach from the outset.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted to Careers system.
Applications must be submitted by11 January 2025 . If you are not contacted by the selection committee by31 January 2025then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
The University is committed to equality of opportunity.#J-18808-Ljbffr