Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate in degradation of polymer composite structural membranes and in-situ assessment

The University of Bath in partnership with Architen Landrell Manufacturing Ltd are seeking a skilled and highly motivated researcher with a science and /or engineering background.  Familiarity with optical and electron microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), would be a distinct advantage. 

The aim of this Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project is to investigate the feasibility of non-invasive, site-based inspection of tensile structure membranes to characterise degradation and inform residual life expectancy.

This is a part-time 0.25 FTE role offered as a fixed-term contract for 4 months with some flexibility on hours. It must start no later than 25th March 2024. This position would be suitable for a PhD student or a Post-Doctoral Research Associate.

If you have good interpersonal and communication skills, a professional and creative attitude, and experience of collaborative working within industry then make sure you take advantage of this rare opportunity. 

This project will bring together an exciting combination of expertise in polymer composites working alongside an academic from one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. 

Whilst working on this unique project as an AKT Associate, applying your academic skills to an industrially focused project, you will broaden your knowledge and expertise, and be supported by both industrial and academic supervisors. 

You will be responsible for engaging with and embedding new knowledge within both the business partner and the University.

Architen Landrell (architen.com ) is an organisation with an international reputation at the forefront of tensile architecture. They design and manufacture membrane structures to create landmark buildings and iconic features that provide insightful, creative and cost-effective solutions to traditional construction and fit-out design briefs. Providing solutions since the 1980’s, the Business has extensive knowledge relating to the design and delivery of architectural membrane structures, but through this AKT partnership aim to expand their maintenance service offering, supported by novel research.

We welcome applications from candidates who have: 

• The ability to think creatively with confidence;
• The capability of delivering clearly structured reporting and present outcomes in a commercial environment aligned to set objectives;

• Strong problem-solving skills;
• Good communication and organisation skills. The Associate is expected to play a key role in coordinating the stakeholders involved in this project. 

• Experience working in a team with both academic and industry based partners 

The post will offer the following benefits:

• Valuable experience and highly transferable skills;
• Mentoring from the company and academic team;
• Access to University resources to complete the project;
• An opportunity to contribute to an innovation supporting the UN Sustainability Development Goals 8, 9 , 11 and 12.  

This AKT project is funded by UKRI through Innovate UK. This programme has been designed to create short-term collaborations between a university and business to deliver a rapid and targeted intervention to accelerate the development of an innovation project, with potential for significant impact on the business. AKT projects are delivered by graduates who benefit from the opportunity to work on a strategically relevant project within industry, whilst receiving support and guidance from university academics. More information about the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer programme can be found at: https://www.ktp-uk.org/accelerated-knowledge-transfer/

Interviews will be held before the 15th March.

Any questions about this role please email: [email protected]

Find out more about our benefits .

We consider ourselves to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award . We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams. 

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff .

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.

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We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details will be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.