Research Assistant (Hydrogen Reactor Control System)

Job Description

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic candidate to help deliver research work in the area of hydrogen reactor control system. The successful candidate will be employed for a period of 6 months and will be required to fulfil the research obligations of a project entitled Development of Hydrogen Hybrid Energy Storage System H2SS Reactor and Advanced Energy Management System for Heavy-Duty Mobility. This research is funded by a government agency and aims to reduce carbon footprint from heavy-duty vehicle. 

The post-holder will be required to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of mechatronics engineering for electric vehicle systems and to have a working knowledge of a range of topics within the sphere of their chosen discipline. They will also be expected to work as part of a wider research team, and to develop strong links with colleagues located at the Malaysia and Scottish campuses, as well as with those partners and collaborators related to the project. 

All of the research activities and the project reporting will be undertaken in English and so fluency is essential. The successful candidate will also be required to register for a higher research degree, for example, Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy, for which a tuition fee waiver will be granted. As a requirement of the tuition fee waiver, the post-holder may also be required to tutor undergraduate students.

The role will be based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.  The candidate will have the access to established university resources, and an induction programme will be delivered to all new appointees. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims and objectives are met.
2. Working closely with the supervisory team, develop and plan research objectives.
3. Present information on research progress and outcomes to, for example, project lead, funding body, university research committee, research team, etc.
4. Build appropriate networks within and outside the team.
5. Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done so ethically and in line with both UK (GDPR) and Malaysian privacy and data protection policies, and in compliance with the requirements of the funder.
6. Provide tutoring and assist in the supervision of student research projects as necessary.

Applicants should note that the Intellectual property generated as part of this research will belong to both Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and the project funder. 

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities.  Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. 

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.

Knowledge of control systems design.

Clear communicator with good reading and writing skills; good at understanding and explaining concepts

Knowledge of on electric vehicle fuel cell systems and CAN communication protocol.

Possesses strong problem solving skills for mechatronics engineering work

Working experience 

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge

Ability to conceptualize problems and develop well-reasoned and logical viewpoints

Fluent (verbal and written) in English 

Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Hardworking, proactive, willing to learn new things

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Flexible, self-motivated and able to plan his/her own work

Good interpersonal skills

High proficient in designing control system and electrical electronics circuit diagram

Nationality must be Malaysian

Enjoys being part of an academic community, and willing to take a 'hands on' approach from the outset. 

Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage. 

Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold.  When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria. 

Other Relevant Information  

We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 28 July 2025. 

For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my.  

For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm 

Application Process

Applications should be submitted to Careers system.   

Applications must be submitted by 25 July 2025. If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 31 July 2025 then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. 

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.