Research Assistant

Edinburgh Napier University - School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment

The School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University is intrinsically linked with industry, to ensure our world-leading research and teaching has an impact in all areas of life. We’re building the future, creating an impact, and making a difference.

The Scottish Centre of Excellence in Digital Trust and DLT (CoE) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at positioning Scotland as a global leader in Digital Trust and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT). Anchored at Napier and supported by the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, FinTech Scotland, and Scottish Enterprise, TRUST is dedicated to driving research, innovation, and economic development.

Currently, the centre has an opportunity for a Research Assistant to assist with the delivery and demonstration of CoE-led proof of concept projects and develop platform integrations of data and services.

The role:

As Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to use your degree in Computing/Engineering related area and software development skills, to develop software code which will build a foundational test bed environment in digital trust for the integration of a range of applications.

Your experience of software development project delivery will be well utilised here, as you work within time plans and deliver milestones which are set by funders.

Additionally, your ability to communicate and absorb technical information and requirements will be put to good use as you consult and communicate with sponsors and partners of the CoE regarding their exploitation of the sandbox environment.

Furthermore, your excellent presentation and report writing skills will allow you to write-up your work in the form of research presentations/papers which will effectively outline the contributions of your work and serve to underpin the build and operation of the testbed.

This role is one that focuses on impact and making a positive difference, with our main aim being to facilitate industry-led innovation projects that address real-world challenges.

If you have a desire to help create something that will make a positive impact people’s lives, coupled with a strong understanding of DLT in a finance environment, then we would love to hear from you.

What we will need from you:

• BEng/BSc in Computing or Engineering related area.
• Software Development skills in the areas of Digital Trust, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy or other relevant area
• Experience of software development project delivery and software team dynamics
• Excellent presentation and report writing skills.
• Strong time and project management skills, with the ability to meet milestones.

Benefits we offer:

Annual leave entitlement based on 41 days (pro rata and including bank holidays), generous pension scheme (17.6%), flexible working and professional development opportunities. Further information regarding our benefits can be viewed here.

Additional information:

Contract: Fixed term – 9 months, 17.5 hrs/wk

Interviews: Week commencing 16th March 2026

We’re reviewing applications as they come in and may close the advert early once we find the right candidate. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. More details can be found here. We are a flexible Employer.