Research Associate in Electronic Engineering (KTP Associate, UoB/Hydrogarden Ltd)

Primary work location - Hydrogarden LTD, Coventry, UK 

Additonal work location - University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK 

Due to limited funding, the maximum salary to be offered on this post is £27,924 

Grade 6 

Full time 

Fixed term contract until 2nd January, 2024 

Closing date: 28th November 2021 

Background 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering at the University of Birmingham and Hydrogarden Limited. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership project will optimise LED lighting to support controlled environment for in-door vertical farming. 

About the Role 

The successful applicant will be employed as an Electronic Engineer, developing LED plant lights and Smart Controllers to deliver improved energy efficiency. 

About Hydrogarden Limited 

HydroGarden Ltd is a market leader in Controlled Environment Agriculture, supplying specialist hydroponic equipment, including growing chambers, aquaponics, lighting, growing media and nutrients to the trade in the UK and overseas. Find out more about Hydrogarden at www.hydrogarden.com , www.v-farm.co.uk   

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is a government-funded technology transfer initiative that supports partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates on challenging, high profile projects. Further information is available at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ktp   

Main Duties 

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interview
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
  

Person Specification

• The candidate will have an undergraduate degree awarded at 2:1 or above in electronic and electrical engineering or a related quantitative fielde.g.physics, mathematics. Ideally has a postgraduate degree awarded at merit (or better) in electronic and electrical engineering or a related quantitative field. An interest in indoor environments, hydroponics, agriculture, or vertical farming is desirable. 
•  The candidate will ideally have a specialism in one or more related interdisciplinary areas of the indoor environment.  
• In addition, the post will require a knowledge of:
  o    Programming in python or other programming languages.
  o    Embedded system development.
  o    Knowledge of algorithmic control and optimisation.
  o    Programming in Matlab, [R], or other programming languages.
  o    MS-Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
  •    Familiarity with the following technologies is desirable:
  o    experience of using JavaScript, Angular and typescript / NodeJS to support the development of a cloud based smart technology application.
  o    Reddis,  MQTT, Docker, GraphQL, Amplify.
  o    Raspberry PI development and a basic understanding of I/O hardware.
  o    Experience of using Balena.
  o    Experience of developing and deploying applications using AWS Architecture.
  o    Familiar with Agile development and the use of Git.
  •    Ability to respond creatively to technical and material challenges
  •    Ability to communicate clearly
  •    Cost related and commercial challenges (meeting customer expectations).
  •    Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
  •    Ability to access and organise resources successfully
  •    An ability to handle data.
  •    Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team.
  •    Product R&D and/or commercial experience.
  

Informal enquiries can be directed to Jianling Li -  [email protected]