Research Assistant in Technoeconomic Assessment of Onsite Green Hydrogen Generation and Storage for Sustainable Mobility Applications bei Heriot-Watt University

Research Assistant – Technoeconomic Assessment of Onsite Green Hydrogen Generation and Storage for Sustainable Mobility Applications 

Grade: Grade 6 £31,236 -£36,636

Contract Type: Full time, fixed term for 4 months

Location: Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), 
Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), 
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), 
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus. 

Supervisor: 

Dr. Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu 

Purpose of Role

The Research Assistant (RA) will work within Dr. Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu’s research group at the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) to support experimental and technoeconomic analysis related to onsite green hydrogen production and storage systems. The project aims to evaluate the feasibility and performance of solar PV-integrated electrolysis systems for sustainable mobility applications. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on experiments using the Solar PV-integrated electrolyser system

• Collect daily data on solar PV power generation via IoT-enabled monitoring systems

• Operate the electrolyser using both solar PV and grid electricity, recording current density, voltage, and periodic hydrogen gas generation data

• Develop a technoeconomic calculator to assess the cost and performance of onsite electrolysis-based hydrogen generation

• Validate the technoeconomic model using experimental data and case studies

• Collaborate closely with the project’s industry partner to align technical outcomes with practical applications

• Prepare detailed progress, interim, and final project reports

• Participate in team meetings, technical discussions, and project review sessions

• Provide guidance and technical support to undergraduate and postgraduate project students involved in the study

Essential Qualifications and Skills: 

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline. 

• Experience or strong interest in bioenergy, hydrogen production, electrolysis, or renewable energy systems. 

• Familiarity with system integration, pilot scale demonstration, data acquisition systems, IoT-based monitoring, or energy systems modelling. 

• Proficiency in using Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and technoeconomic calculations. 

• Strong technical writing and presentation skills. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team. 

Desirable Skills: 

• Experience in solar PV systems, electrolyser operation, or hydrogen storage technologies

• Knowledge of technoeconomic assessment

• Prior experience in industry-academic collaborative projects

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Thursday 27th November 2025. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.