Research Associate – Smart URinary CATheter system (SURCAT) Design and Experimental Testing

University of Bath

Location:	Bath
Salary:	£38,784 Grade 7
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On:	15th January 2026
Closes:	8th February 2026
Job Ref:	KP13338

About the role

Here at the university of Bath, we are looking for a Research Assistant to work with us on the Smart URinary CATheter system (SURCAT) project, focusing on design and experimental testing.

• Advance SURCAT from prototype to patient-ready design. You’ll iterate the device/system based on prior prototyping, run integration and lab testing, and prepare the design for manufacturing and safe patient use.
• Build and run smart test setups. Design principle-level experiments and test rigs using commercial catheters; capture robust data, document results, and verify end-to-end performance of the laboratory system.
• Coordinate delivery and share outcomes. Work with internal teams and suppliers to produce components, contribute to publications, and provide timely progress updates to the INSPIRE Foundation
• As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year
• A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

About the Ideal Candidate

• You have a degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., BEng/BSc/MEng/MSc). A PhD is helpful but not required.
• You’re hands-on with prototype design and DfM, fluent in CAD (e.g., Fusion 360), and comfortable designing test rigs and running lab experiments with reliable documentation.
• You can run experimental tests and analyse data (e.g., MATLAB/Python/R) while applying safe working practices.
• Familiarity with medical device standards and risk/usability (e.g., ISO 14971, IEC 62366-1) is helpful but not required.
• You communicate clearly and collaborate well across engineering, clinical, and public interfaces (for example, patient and public involvement), treating others with respect and supporting an inclusive working environment.
• You’re organised and proactive—able to coordinate monthly technical activities and engage constructively with suppliers to keep the project moving.

Further Information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours) fixed term for 15 months basis. Interview will take place week commencing 23 February

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Ioannis Georgilas (Senior Lecturer) on ig358@bath.ac.uk