Research Assistant Engineering and Microbiology Study on Air Pressure Transients in Hospital Sanitary Systems
Research Assistant Engineering and Microbiology Study on Air Pressure Transients in Hospital Sanitary Systems
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Job Description
Directorate:The School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure and Society (EGIS)
Grade:Grade
Contract Type:Full Time 1FTE) Fixed Term 17 Months with eligibility to complete a PhD study on the same topic over 42 months in total)
Location: HeriotWatt University Edinburgh with fieldwork in a hospital in Scotland.
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac/about/work/totalrewardscalculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by HeriotWatt University
Detailed Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join an exciting and impactful research project exploring the risks posed by microorganisms in hospital sanitary systems particularly those related to handwash sinks. This project is a continuation of previous work funded by NHSScotland Assure which aims to reduce hospitalacquired infections caused by multidrugresistant (MDR) pathogens.
The role involves a combination of laboratory experiments and realworld data gathering. You will work with a team of researchers to understand and quantify the mechanisms through which air pressure transients contribute to the spread of microorganisms in clinical settings. The position will involve laboratory work at HeriotWatt University as well as fieldwork at a hospital in Scotland to collect environmental samples from washhand basins and sinks. You will be involved in experiments to simulate and measure the impact of air pressure transients on microbial contamination and contribute to the development of guidance on improved sanitaryware and drainage systems.
The position is also eligible for the successful candidate to study for a PhD qualification over a period of 42 months with fees paid and an enhanced stipend. More details on request.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct laboratorybased experiments to simulate air pressure transients in hospital sanitary systems.
- Collect and analyse environmental samples from hospital washhand basins and sinks.
- Collect and analyse air pressure and air flow data from hospital sanitary plumbing systems.
- Assist in data collection and analysis in collaboration with hospital staff.
- Contribute to the development of guidance for reducing the spread of microorganisms in clinical settings.
- Prepare research findings for publication and presentation at scientific conferences.
- Liaise with NHS Scotland Assure staff.
- Attending project steering group meetings.
Education Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- A degree (or equivalent) in engineering microbiology physics or a related field.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
Desirable
- Experience of fluid mechanics and measurement techniques in an engineering lab.
- Experience with laboratory techniques including microbiological culturing and sampling.
- Experience in environmental microbiology or healthcarerelated research.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures.
- Knowledge of healthcare sanitary systems.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could significantly impact hospital infection control and public health. If you are passionate about research and looking to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
Please submit via the HeriotWatt online recruitment system 1 Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; 2 Full CV
Applications can be submitted until midnight on Friday 4th April 2025.
Shortlisting will be complete mid April with interviews end of April/start of May.
For informal enquires please contact Michael Gormley on
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.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with wellbeing and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
HeriotWattUniversity 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.
HeriotWattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our websitehttps://www.hw.ac/uk/services/equalitydiversity.htmand also our awardwinning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careershttps://disc.hw.ac/.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. parttime working and job share options.
Use our total rewards calculator:https://www.hw.ac/about/work/totalrewardscalculator.htmto see the value of benefits provided by HeriotWatt University.
Employment Type
Full-Time
