Materials Science Engineer (KTP Associate)

Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy

The above full--time KTP post is available from July/August 2023 (start date must be between July and August) for 2 years with Fiberight UK Ltd and the Engineering department at the University of Exeter.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter (with some travel to Exeter involved), but will be primarily based in Swansea, Wales at Fiberight’s premises. 

Summary of the role

This is an opportunity for a Materials Scientist to work as the KTP Associate on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Fiberight Ltd, helping develop new systems, processes and methodologies for materials testing and recycling, with the potential to redefine how people recycle plastics in the UK and how industry analyses them to get maximum value.

Fiberight is helping to enhance the recycling industry in the UK, through establishment and operation of the most advanced recycling plants. Only 7% of flexible plastic packaging placed on the market is collected for recycling, with the rest ending up in landfill or incineration. Using Fiberight’s patented HYDRACYCLE^TM process, they accept and processes unsorted non-hazardous household and commercial waste, which is not processed by other recycling plants. Resources are recovered and then converted into high-value materials and products. The largest portion of the waste stream processed by Fiberight is unrecycled plastics, including significant volumes of Polyethylene (PE) found in post-consumer packaging. Thus, characterising plastic polymer types and maximising their recovery is key to the economics of the process. This project provides the opportunity to take a lead on developing new systems that help transform material monitoring, data collection and analysis and will increase recycling recovery rates in the UK, transforming our use of materials so that resources stay within a circular economy.

The project will involve a review of materials monitoring and detection methods, such as in-line spectroscopy but also other, as yet unproven, techniques from technology providers.

Required attributes of candidates:

• A materials science or engineering background
• Self-starter, who is happy to work alone and as part of an embedded team
• Confidence in own abilities with the ability to work autonomously, with dedication, strong attention to detail and a flexible approach.
• Excellent communication skills

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a fantastic opportunity to work with academia and industry and lead on a specific project. Support, guidance and training will be provided and the position includes a £3,000 personal development budget, a two-week residential training course at Ashorne Hill on management skills and 10% of your time dedicated to training and personal development.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter (with some travel to Exeter involved), but will be primarily based in Swansea, Wales at Fiberight’s premises. 

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

 Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength

For further information please contact Paul McCutchion - p.mccutchion@exeter.ac.uk

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