Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate
Material Scientist (KTP Associate): Development of Next Generation Fire Retardant Circular Textiles
Gen Phoenix Ltd, Cambridgeshire
Institute for Materials Research & Innovation, University of Greater Manchester, Bolton
Ref: ENG-108/P
Fixed Term – 24 Months
Salary in the range of £33,965 – £38,205 per annum, depending on experience
*Closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 30 April 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place within four weeks of the closing date.
Applications are invited for a Materials Scientist (KTP Associate) to deliver a collaboration project between the University of Greater Manchester "Fire Materials Research" team and Cambridgeshire based Generation Phoenix Ltd (Gen Phoenix), which manufactures its sustainable, reclaimed leather products to partners including Dr. Martens, Jaguar Land Rover and Coach.
This exciting 24-month KTP project, funded by Innovate UK is your opportunity to join the partnership team and gain experience in circular textiles product development and fire materials science. Gen Phoenix’s ambition is to develop next generation fire retardant circular textiles with desirable aesthetic properties using sustainable and circular components and manufacturing processes.
As the KTP Associate, you'll bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and industrial application, driving forward Gen Phoenix's commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles in engineered leather products, while building expertise in fire materials science in Greater Manchester.
The role will suit a candidate with a strong academic background, experience of working independently in the lab and an interest in discovering the fundamental science behind observed properties. Then translating this understanding to develop groundbreaking fire-retardant circular textiles with enhanced aesthetic properties using sustainable components and manufacturing processes. You'll be working on innovative textile architectures specifically designed for transport applications, with a focus on aviation and transport. Your goal will be to develop environmentally sustainable fire-retardant textiles which are economically viable and compliant with the relevant Fire Safety Regulations.
About You
We're looking for a determined, hardworking individual with:
- A good honours degree and/or MSc/PhD, or equivalent, in; Textile Science, Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline
- Strong knowledge of materials and analytical techniques with experience of working on independent research projects
- Excellent communication and IT skills
- The ability to work as part of a collaborative team across multiple locations
- A passion for sustainability and circular economy principles
- Experience in fire materials research would be particularly valuable, but is not essential.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to pursue an MPhil degree during the KTP project
- Dedicated mentoring from both academic and industrial experts
- 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays.
- Career development and training opportunities.
- Extensive professional development opportunities
- The chance to make a real-world impact on sustainable manufacturing
- Experience in both academic and commercial environments
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
The position will be supervised by Prof Baljinder Kandola (IMRI, University of Greater Manchester, Bolton). Although the associate will be an employee of University of Greater Manchester, he/she will spend the majority of their time at the company (Gen Phoenix, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) to deliver the project. The associate also needs strong communication and IT skills and should be able to work with academic staff as well as the industrial partners.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact:
Interviews are expected to take place within four weeks of the closing date.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
*Please note, the university reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of applications are received.
The University of Greater Manchester strives to achieve equality of opportunity