Job sector
Agriculture & Food
Job function
Research
Start date
31/03/2025
Job duration
24 months
Application closing date
05/01/2025
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Job description
Heriot-Watt University (HWU) and the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) have been awarded a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) to develop a novel but rapid and simple quantitative measure of Scotch Whisky colour.
We are seeking a highly talented and motivated candidate for this Knowledge Transfer Associate position. You will apply and extend your skills by leading the creation of this new method, through a combination of spectroscopic measurements, sensory tests, and statistical analysis. You will be the interface with the Scotch whisky industry, to understand their requirements and communicate your results. Your aim will be the adoption of the method; if successful, this will save time in the whisky production process, improve the quality and consistency of brands, and enable the detection of counterfeit products.
This 24-month, full-time position is funded by SWRI and InnovateUK. The successful appointee will be based at SWRI’s facility in Riccarton, Edinburgh. Your skills will be enhanced through targeted training and development for which time is allocated with a dedicated budget. You will be supported by SWRI’s resident experts on whisky analysis and its application in the Scotch whisky industry and work closely with colleagues at HWU’s Edinburgh campus with expertise in spectroscopy and statistics.
Project description
The project aims to develop a rapid, simple, quantitative measure of Scotch Whisky colour, that will save time in the production process while also providing new information to improve the quality and consistency of brand or detect counterfeit products.
About the business
For the last 50 years, SWRI has been providing scientific knowledge and innovation for the mutual benefit of its member companies, which represent around 90% of Scotch Whisky production. SWRI undertakes applied research that allows common industry challenges to be identified and addressed. The proposed project is an example of the industry’s desire to work collaboratively to improve a scientific measure with the goal of adopting a standardised approach across the industry.
The research goals addressed in this project, namely maintaining and enhancing product quality and protecting against counterfeiting, are long-standing objectives that will remain a priority for the foreseeable future. The project will result in the transfer of knowledge from HWU to SWRI and contribute to successful outcomes for the Scotch Whisky industry. It will be an outstanding springboard for a career in this sector for the successful Associate.