Composite Material Development Engineer / Scientist (KTP Associate)

KTP Associate with ICR Integrity limited UK

The Robert Gordon University and ICR Integrity Ltd. UK are currently recruiting a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate for a 28-month term. The primary focus of this position is to develop an advanced bio-based resin system, enhancing the technical specifications to expand the “Technowrap” product line. The role will be based at ICR Integrity Ltd., a renowned repair, inspection, and maintenance service provider serving global industries such as energy, oil and gas, petrochemical, nuclear, defence, and telecoms. The KTP Associate will collaborate closely with the School of Engineering at Robert Gordon University throughout the project. This initiative falls under the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, a nationwide program aimed at enhancing business competitiveness and productivity by leveraging knowledge, technology, and skills within the UK Knowledge Base. Funded by the government-sponsored Knowledge Transfer Partnership, this fixed-term post offers a 28-month opportunity for a KTP Associate to work on a high-profile project, benefiting from a tax-free personal development budget of £4,667.

Candidates for this role are expected to possess a range of technical, management, communication, and coordination skills. The ideal KTP Associate will hold a PhD in Materials Science or a related discipline and should already be operating at a postdoctoral level. Additional postdoctoral experience in material testing and advanced polymer characterisation, including FTIR, DSC, NMR, dielectric analysis, and XRD, is highly desirable. Proficiency in the preparation, mechanical testing, and characterisation of epoxy-based composites is essential.

Responsibilities include conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results, and producing scientific publications. Strong communication skills are vital to effectively coordinate with the industrial partner, understand their product expectations, and share research findings and outcomes. Project management skills are crucial for task management and achieving deliverables as per planned timelines.

The successful candidate must exhibit excellent communication, organisational, and collaboration skills. The ability to transfer knowledge and skills, coupled with the capability to work under pressure while engaging with internal and external stakeholders across various business functions, is essential. The ideal candidate should be motivated, innovative, and enthusiastic about the project, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving and a creative mindset. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a collaborative team player, is crucial. A strong commitment to delivering high-quality results and meeting project objectives is imperative. A PhD degree in relevant topics is an added advantage and highly desirable.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Prof. James Njuguna, j.njuguna@rgu.ac.uk, Tel. +44 (0) 1224 262304.

Starting date: 01/07/2024

Closing date for receipt of applications: 17 April 2024

RESPONSIBLE TO:

When working at ICR Integrity Ltd, the KTP Associate will report to and take direction from Mr Gareth Urukalo and when working at Robert Gordon University report to and take direction from Prof James Njuguna.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibilities.

PURPOSE OF POST:

To develop a bio-based resin system with improved technical specifications to broaden the Technowrap product line.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Prepare, test and characterise epoxy-based composites.

• Conduct experiments, analyse and interpret experimental results and produce scientific publications.

• Conduct mechanical testing according to standards and wide range of advanced characterisation (FTIR, DSC, XRD, dielectric analysis, NMR etc.) of polymers.

• Communicate/coordinate with the industrial partner to understand their expectations for the product and share their research findings and outcomes.

• Coordinate with other internal and external stake holders in the project and execute the project professionally as per the planned timelines.

• Deliver the project objectives as detailed in the KTP project proposal.

• Undertake in-depth literature review in the area of bio epoxy resin development and analysis with emphasis on enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties.

• Explore, understand and critically evaluate existing epoxy-based repair solutions offered by ICR Integrity Ltd.

• Take a leading role in developing and evaluating the bio epoxy resin solutions.

• Maintain an up-to-date project plan and provide a progress report for presentation at regular Local Management Committee (LMC) meetings.

• Deliver presentations to immediate project team members and technical experts.

• Liaise with Engineers and Technicians to form part of a successful team.

• The maintenance of adherence to and improvement of the company’s quality systems and procedures, including but not restricted to continual ISO9001 compliance.

• Develop support and actively encourage a culture of continual improvement by implementing improvement programmes that involve team members and other employees.

• Foster an open and involving approach with all employees. Encourage and develop team to support delivery of the project goals and objectives.

• Any other duties that maybe reasonable, assigned by the Academic Supervisor/ Company Supervisor.