The UK and Scottish governments have committed to energy transition and have set ambitious targets for achieving net zero carbon. The transition to sustainable marine energy (wind, wave and tide) is full of challenges. Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is at the forefront of education and research in energy systems to achieve net zero carbon while improving social and environmental wellbeing.
This post is ideally suited to a candidate with an engineering or physics background, prepared to collaborate with multidisciplinary partners. We are interested in hearing from candidates with research interests in offshore wind, wave, or tidal technologies. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Hydrodynamics and resource assessment,
- Understanding marine energy array and device interaction.
- Application of robotics to marine renewables.
- Environmental engineering – to minimize environmental and social impact
The candidate will be expected to collaborate with academics from the wider University participating in our Global Research Institutes (GRIs). Our GRI’s are intended to draw together academics from across the university to work on specific challenges. The GRI iNZ+ and GRI National Robotarium are of particular significance.
The successful candidate will contribute to our masters teaching programs. Our MSc programs in Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition (RESET), are delivered from the Orkney Campus and on-line. MRE covers technical ecological and economic aspects of marine energy and is designed to help students from a variety of backgrounds to find work in the sector. The successful candidate will be expected to take a key role in teaching, and developing the curriculum, in marine energy technologies and resource assessment.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Research:
- To develop a research profile in marine energy technology of internationally recognised importance and quality that will make a significant contribution to the University’s submission to future Research Excellence Framework exercises, enhance the international profile of the University and contribute to the development of its own communities of research;
- Disseminate research through high-quality journal publications and papers, presentations at conferences, and relevant stakeholder events;
- Where appropriate partner with industry and local stakeholder organisations in research.
Pioneering Education:
- Undertake continuous professional development both through the University and externally to remain up to date with current learning and teaching practice and external influencers in our sector to provide direction and leadership;
- Share best practice in learning and teaching methodologies, working with colleagues to develop scholarly debate and the dissemination of excellence to advance the curriculum to be future focused and challenge-led;
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students’ work and take responsibility for dealing with referred issues regarding students within their own educational programmes.
Collaboration and Leadership:
- Work collaboratively within the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences to ensure excellent levels of student engagement, retention, and outcomes;
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a consistent, effective, and high-quality delivery of teaching and research, in line with the strategic aims of EGIS, as well as the wider University;
- Represent EGIS with integrity in a professional capacity at academic conferences, with industrial partners, in professional societies, etc.
Essential Qualifications
- A first degree in Engineering, Physics or related discipline.
- A PhD in Marine Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Systems or a cognate subject
Essential Experience
- A Publication record in the areas of marine or renewable energy
- Some experience in teaching and assessing at HE level
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Essential Competencies, Skills and Knowledge
- Excellent IT skills
- Good team player with good interpersonal skills
- Demonstrable potential to become an independent researcher
Salary range: £37,694 – £47,389
Application deadline: July 19, 2026
Location: School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Stromness, GB
