CHAIR IN BIOPHYSICS
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Applicant Information – Reference No. EPS/BIO4
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close
connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. Our research
ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong
external funding. We have around 110 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are
based in 5 research institutes: the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum
Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals &
Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering.
In addition we deliver teaching across 5 programmes: Chemistry; Physics; Electrical, Electronic & Computer
Engineering; Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. In the 2013 National Student Survey HeriotWatt University was ranked as the second top university in Scotland. Chemical Engineering was ranked top
in the UK for the fourth year running, Chemistry was ranked top in the UK, and Mechanical Engineering was
ranked top in Scotland. Heriot-Watt had the highest response rate in Scotland from students confirming the
continued support and recognition by our students.
Heriot-Watt has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in
championing employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics.
We continue to welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented in academic posts at Heriot-Watt.
Job Description
As part on the University’s strategy for growth, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences is looking for a
highly motivated individual to carry out internationally excellent and internationally leading research in
Biophysics and to contribute to teaching and administration of both undergraduate and postgraduate degree
programmes.
Applications are welcomed from enthusiastic individuals who are highly motivated with a strong research track
record in one or more of the following areas: Development of novel microscopy techniques, biophotonics,
development of probes, sensors and novel therapeutics and/or Development of novel biophysical analytical
approaches for biomedical application.
Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent qualification in physics, biophysics or a closely related discipline, a
proven ability to attract research funding and leadership of research teams, and experience of teaching courses
at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are all essential.
It is expected the appointee will be lead collaborative projects supported by existing colleagues within the
School and be able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Research: To pursue independent and collaborative research of international standing in Biological physics, as
demonstrated by the publication of results in appropriate peer reviewed high-impact international journals.
To maintain and develop a substantial and vibrant research programme supported by significant levels of
external funding via research grants or contracts through, for example, the development of multi-disciplinary
projects, engagement with industry and the development of intellectual property. To lead an independent
research group, consisting of postdoctoral researchers, postgraduate students and undergraduate students.
To attend and present research findings and papers at appropriate national and international conferences. To
provide leadership as Head of the Biophysics Research Group within the Institute of Biological Chemistry,
Biophysics and Bioengineering.
To play a leading role in developing the overall research strategy of the Institute of Biological Chemistry,
Biophysics and Bioengineering and to contribute to research strategy in the School of Engineering and Physical
Sciences as a whole.
Teaching: To contribute to the teaching program within the School at both undergraduate and postgraduate
level and to contribute to the development of the curriculum. Teaching activities will be directed by the Head
of Discipline and will include lecture-type classes, laboratory classes, on-line learning, tutorials, seminars,
project design and supervision. Duties will include appropriate assessment, including the setting and marking
of examinations. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and show a genuine enthusiasm for
teaching. The appointee will also play a role in the pastoral support of undergraduate students.
Administration: As Head of the Biophysics Research Group the post will involve representing Biological physics
on the Institute Management Group, the remit of which is to formulate research strategy, to respond to major
research calls and to allocate Institute resources. Teaching administrative duties will focus on the delivery and
assessment of the above teaching duties. The appointee will also engage in annual professional development
and review process.
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. Activities may be subject to amendment over time
as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Contractual Information
Job Title: Chair in Biophysics
Grade/Salary Range: from £56,482
School/Section: EPS/Institute of Biological
Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering.
Pension Scheme: USS
Annual leave: 33 days plus 9 Buildings Closed Days
Reporting to: Rory Duncan, Head of Research
Institute
Sickness benefits: up to 6 months full pay, 6
months half pay
Duration of Post: open-ended
Start Date: As soon as possible
Working Hours: The hours of work will be such as
are necessary to ensure the efficient discharge of
the duties of the appointment.
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.
Attributes
Essential
Education & Qualifications
PhD in Physics, biophysics or
relevant related discipline
Experience
Track record of
internationally high profile
and high impact research.
A track record of sustained
and significant research
funding.
Evidence of leading a
significant research group
Competencies, Skills&
Knowledge
Evidence of strategic vision
and the ability to develop
and implement research
strategy across a wider
group of researchers in
biological physics
Excellent communication
skills
Desirable
Means of
Assessment
e.g. Certificates
Ability to lead
research and
collaborative
partnerships with
other disciplines or
with other
educational
institutions and/or
external bodies.
Application
form and
interview
Applicants
should provide
a 2 page
summary of
future research
plans.
Significant teaching
experience and
curriculum
development
Interview
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 short listing,
these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.
Other Relevant Information
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Rory Duncan (R.R.Duncan@hw.ac.uk )
Application Process
If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your CV, publication list and a 2 page
document outlining your future research plans, to research-jobs@hw.ac.uk no later than 31 October 2014.
For all applications and correspondence about your application, please quote ref: EPS/ BIO4
The University is committed to equality of opportunity. Applications are particularly welcome from women
and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Heriot-Watt.
Heriot-Watt University and Values
With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class
teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business
and industry.
We’re a vibrant, forward-looking university, well known for the quality of our degrees with employers actively
seeking out our graduates.
Heriot-Watt is also Scotland’s most international university with an unsurpassed international in-country
presence. We deliver degree programmes to 11,800 students in 150 countries around the world, have a
campus in Dubai and in Malaysia and boast the largest international student cohort in Scotland.
At Heriot-Watt we’ve created an environment that nurtures innovation and leadership - where our
researchers, staff and students can realise their potential and develop their ambitions.
We’re proud of our collegiate atmosphere and integrated teaching and research approach which has helped
to build a community of committed academics and highly motivated students. Our focus on careers delivers
results and we’ve an excellent reputation for graduate employability.
We have campuses in Edinburgh, the Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia where we aim to provide
stimulating, supportive environments conducive to effective learning and research, and where staff and
students can excel.
At Heriot-Watt, we have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership, and
show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities.
Our values describe our deeply held beliefs and our community spirit. They characterise not only how we are
as a higher education institution but also frame how we want to be.
Our values are:
o
o
o
o
Valuing and respecting everyone
Pursuing excellence
Pride and belonging
Shaping the future
o
Outward looking
As a learning, living and working institution, we use our values as the building blocks of how we go about
doing our work and how we conduct ourselves as part of Heriot-Watt University. They represent what binds
us together as a University community and help us to become the best at what we do.
It's key that all our staff feel part of our achievements, and our values provide your link to our success.
For full details on our University please view our website, www.hw.ac.uk
Heriot-Watt University is a charity registered in Scotland (SC000278).