Research Assistant/Associate

Salary: Reserach Assistant - £33,951 to £35,608

            Reserach Associate - £36,636 to £46,049

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 28 May 2026

The Role

The Microsystems Research Group is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant/Research Associate to support the Northern Net Zero Impact Accelerator (NNZA) project: “Real-time Control and Optimisation for Boosting Microbial Electrolysis Cell Performance in Energy-Efficient Wastewater Treatment.”

This project aims to advance a TRL6 controller prototype for microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to TRL7, enabling real-time optimisation of applied voltage and current to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve biogas production (hydrogen and methane).

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing, and

deployment of a real-time control and monitoring system integrating:

• Embedded hardware platforms;

• Control algorithms (e.g. PID, PWM);

• IoT communication (WiFi/LoRaWAN);

• Data acquisition and analysis pipelines.

The role involves close collaboration with:

• Academic team members;

• Industrial partners (Northumbrian Water Group, METzero Ltd);

• Field deployment environments (wastewater treatment facilities);

Duration of the post is 12 months.

Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/

Find out more about our Research Institute: 

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/research/microsystems/

We want you to feel confident when applying for a position with Newcastle University. If you’d like an informal discussion to clarify any points, please contact domenico.balsamo@newcastle.ac.uk

To apply please upload a copy of your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences  align to the person specification as outlined within the job description.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy. We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable. Click here for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics. Click here for a self-study e-learning module on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics.

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Design and implement embedded control systems for real-time optimisation of MEC performance and develop control algorithms for adaptive system behaviour
• Integrate hardware/software co-design solutions for monitoring voltage, current, and system performance and develop data acquisition and remote monitoring systems using IoT technologies (e.g. LoRaWAN/WiFi);
• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Research Associate

• Design and implement embedded control systems for real-time optimisation of MEC performance and develop control algorithms for adaptive system behaviour
• Integrate hardware/software co-design solutions for monitoring voltage, current, and system performance and develop data acquisition and remote monitoring systems using IoT technologies (e.g. LoRaWAN/WiFi)
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

• Strong background in embedded systems design and electronic engineering with knowledge of control systems (e.g. PID controllers, feedback systems)
• Experience with microcontrollers and embedded programming, and understanding of hardware/software co-design principles
• Experience in data acquisition systems and sensor integration, and knowledge of low-power and energy-efficient system design
• Experience with PCB design and prototyping, and ability to conduct experimental testing and data analysis
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behavior

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline

Research Associate

• PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, or related field

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 29266