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.”

The Microsystems Group has an international reputation for world-leading research in embedded systems, IoT, and energy-efficient computing, with strong industrial collaborations and a growing portfolio of translational research.

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 (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)

Key Accountabilities

• Design and implement embedded control systems for real-time optimisation of MEC performance
• Develop and refine control algorithms for adaptive system behaviour
• Integrate hardware/software co-design solutions for monitoring voltage, current, and system performance
• Develop data acquisition and remote monitoring systems using IoT technologies (e.g. LoRaWAN)
• Conduct laboratory experiments and field trials to evaluate system performance under varying wastewater conditions
• Analyse experimental data to understand interactions between:
  • Applied voltage
  • Microbial activity
  • Biogas production efficiency
• Support deployment and validation of the system in real-world environments
• Collaborate with industrial partners to refine system design for commercial readiness
• Contribute to techno-economic analysis and scalability assessment
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and documentation
• Present research outcomes at academic and industry events

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Strong background in embedded systems design and/or electronic engineering
• Knowledge of control systems (e.g. PID controllers, feedback systems)
• Experience with microcontrollers and embedded programming
• Understanding of hardware/software co-design principles
• Experience in data acquisition systems and sensor integration
• Knowledge of low-power and energy-efficient system design
• Experience with PCB design and prototyping
• Ability to conduct experimental testing and data analysis

Desirable

• Experience with IoT communication protocols (e.g. LoRaWAN)
• Knowledge of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) or microbial electrolysis cells (MECs)
• Experience with real-time systems and runtime optimisation
• Familiarity with industrial or field deployments
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience collaborating with industry partners

Attributes and Behaviours

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Capacity for innovation and original research thinking
• Commitment to high research standards and ethics
• Willingness to engage in fieldwork and industrial collaboration
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion principles

Desirable

• Experience working in translational or commercialisation-focused projects
• Industrial or applied research experience

Qualifications

• Research Assisant :
  A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Embedded Systems
  • Computer Engineering
  • or a closely related discipline

• Research Associate:
  A PhD in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, or related field (or equivalent research experience)

Additional Information