Research Development and Innovation Administrator

School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term: up to 24 months
We are looking for a Research Associate to lead transdisciplinary research exploring how engineering can better respond to climate change by integrating social values, lived experience, and environmental priorities into design and decision-making.
You will build on knowledge emerging from Failure Modes of Engineering activities, collaborating across disciplines and with external partners to co-produce research that advances equitable, resilient, and context-sensitive engineering practice in response to climate disruptions.
You will also join a dynamic, supportive and interdisciplinary environment within Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME). FeME offers opportunities to shape a cutting-edge research agenda with real-world impact and to collaborate with researchers, practitioners and communities across the UK and internationally. FeME is a Network Plus project funded by EPSRC, and a collaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Heriot-Watt. We have funding for 3 years to expand and nurture a network for researchers and practitioners working on these important challenges.
PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science, Social Science or related field linked to climate change, or equivalent industrial experience
Proven research track record in climate-related, socially impactful, or engineering-focused fields
Experience working across disciplines and engaging stakeholders or communities in research
Potential research themes
In Your Cover Letter, Please State Two Or Three Potential Topics That You Would Like To Develop And Co-create With The FeME Network. Candidates May Propose Or Develop Research In Areas Such As (please Note That This List Is Not Exhaustive And We Are Providing It As Guidance Only)
Climate adaptation engineering: How can engineering systems be designed to adapt to unpredictable climate disruptions keeping society at the core?
What methods best integrate community knowledge and lived experience into engineering?
Failure analysis in socio-technical systems: How do social, ecological, and technical factors interact in engineering failures?
How can engineering solutions be developed under conditions of scarcity and uncertainty?
Ethics and equity in engineering: What frameworks support ethical decision-making in climate-sensitive engineering contexts?
A competitive salary
An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.  If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
Engineering has been taught at Edinburgh in one form or another since 1673. In 2002, the present School of Engineering was formed from the previously existing departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, the School has grown from strength to strength, growing rapidly in the last 5 years, now having the largest number of students among the seven Schools in the College of Science and Engineering, offering undergraduate degree programmes across all disciplines and taught Masters courses in niche areas. All of the undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the relevant professional institutions.
The School of Engineering addresses diverse complex challenges across the entire field of engineering, at the micro- and macro/global scales. At the microscopic scale, its research supports the design and deployment of novel nanotechnology and devices for biological monitoring and medical diagnosis; at the macro/global scale, it optimises the security and sustainability of the built environment and develops engineering solutions to climate change issues. In REF 2021 the joint submission from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University to General Engineering was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research. The ranking cited is based upon the breadth and quality of research which apply standard formula (as used by the Times Higher Education) to the REF 2021 results.
The School has a strong track record in producing more than 50 technology spin-outs and developing industry links that enable our graduates to build career-long relationships. Current research income in the School was c.£We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.
The School of Engineering holds a bronze Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education & research.
Further information, including details of undergraduate & postgraduate taught programmes: