Digital Technology Specialist

Salary: Grade 6 (£31,236 - £36,636 pro rata for part time)

Contract Type: Fixed term, 0.5 FTE, fixed term contract until 31st March 2026

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). 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

Description

We are seeking a part-time Digital Technology Specialist to support the integration and delivery of Virtual Reality (XR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies within our Medicine Manufacturing Skill Centre of Excellence (RESILIENCE). This role combines technical and digital expertise with creative media skills, ensuring immersive XR-based training is engaging, reliable and widely accessible.

The successful candidate will not only manage XR systems and troubleshoot issues, but also contribute creative assets such as video, photography and digital media to support RESILIENCE’s mission. 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage XR hardware and software, including setup, configuration, updates and troubleshooting of XR headsets and related equipment.
• Support the design, deployment and delivery of XR-based training modules for medicine manufacturing.
• Provide occasional on-site technical support during training sessions to ensure smooth operation and learner engagement.
• Capture and edit high-quality photos and videos to support training content and promotional materials.
• Create digital assets using creative tools, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Canva, Unity etc., to enhance learning resources and marketing materials.
• Maintain and update the local hub’s website and digital platforms, including uploading content, news posts and media.
• Use basic coding knowledge (e.g. HTML, CSS, JavaScript or CMS) to manage and improve digital platforms.
• Support social media and online communications by preparing engaging posts and content.
• Collaborate with team members, trainers and subject matter experts to integrate XR and digital media into training programmes.
• Monitor system performance and user feedback to recommend improvements in XR delivery.
• Maintain inventory of XR equipment and enhanced member tech pack, ensuring availability and readiness for use. 
• Ensure resources are available and functional, as well as support the procurement of digital technology components and accessories, by researching suppliers, comparing prices and securing best value deals, while ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. 
• Provide training and guidance to learners and enhanced members on the effective use of XR tools and digital platforms.
• Provide dedicated support to key stakeholders and enhanced members by setting up, configuring and troubleshooting their VR headsets and tech pack, ensuring a smooth and reliable user experience.
• Liaise with IT teams and vendors to resolve complex technical issues.
• Stay up to date with emerging XR, creative and digital training technologies relevant to the life sciences industry.
• Support trainers in delivering XR-based training modules (e.g. cleanroom gowning, bioprocessing basics, lab skills, workplace soft skills).
• Support outreach activities by transporting and delivering XR equipment to events, ensuring safe handling, timely setup and a smooth user experience. 
• Liaise with internal colleagues and stakeholders, external stakeholders and sometimes with customers and members who have issues with the service, with an expectation on maintaining good working relationships with all. 
• Promote equality and diversity values, acting as a role model in fostering an inclusive working culture.

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential

• Qualification or equivalent experience in Digital Technology, Creative Media, Computer Science, Educational Technology or a related field.
• Strong IT and digital literacy, including experience of hardware setup and software updates.
• XR expertise or relevant training in using digital systems and experience of delivering XR experiences to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills of digital and technical issues. 
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, as well as ability to work independently and take initiative without prompting. 
• Proficiency with creative tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Canva, Unity etc.
• Good photography, videography and editing skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to support a wide range of users (students, staff, industry learners etc).

Desirable

• Good understanding of basic coding languages or website management platforms, such as HTML, CSS, or CMS (desired but not essential).
• Experience in a training, educational or life sciences environment.
• Awareness of GMP/cleanroom/regulated settings.
• Interest in digital education technologies and innovative training methods.
• Knowledge of social media and digital content best practices.

How To Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Wednesday, 1st October 2025.

Shortlisting is anticipated the same week and interviews are anticipated to be conducted w/c 6th October 2025.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Professor Nik Willoughby: N.A.Willoughby@hw.ac.uk

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.

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/

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

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