Project Management Scientist- (KTP Associate) in Bioleaching

Our Mission

Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. Driven by our passion and belief that through education, equity, and innovation our students, people, and communities are empowered to transform their lives and the world around them. Our people are the key to our success and each role within the group plays a key role in shaping the world around us.

This collaborative project between the Coventry University Centre for Health & Life Science (CHLS) and Advanced Alloy Services (AAS) Limited, proposes the development of a pilot bio-leaching plant to recover critical metals from superalloy processes waste stream therefore allowing the company to recover critical metals back into the supply chain, more efficiently and sustainably.

The Role

The KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) Associate, under the supervision of both the University supervisor and the industrial supervisor, will be responsible for developing and managing the research programme and partner collaboration between Coventry University (CU) AAS. This project will develop, monitor and appraise the feasibility of a pilot bioleaching plant to process critical metals at the AAS premises in Sheffield. The role will also seek to develop new markets and applications for critical metals.

This high profile project will provide the appointed Associate with the opportunity to work with experts in microbiology and in electrochemistry, but also the opportunity to apply technological expertise in industry. The highly innovative aspects of the project, together with the opportunity to work under joint commercial and academic supervision are an invaluable combination for someone who wants to become a future leader in the Biotechnology sector.

Qualifications Required

Applicants should have previous knowledge of the metal industry and scientific qualification in an appropriate Science discipline (BSc/MSc, and /or a PhD would be an advantage with significant industrial experience), including Bioleaching, Biohydrometallurgy, Metal Chemistry, Biotechnology, Applied Microbiology or related field.

Our Successful Candidate

Extensive experience of microbiological culture systems including bioreactors, bioleaching and/or Metal chemistry is essential. Experience of working in industry (commercial contracts; contract research; consultancy) would be an advantage. Basic knowledge of metal extraction/recovery techniques (electro-winning, ion-exchange, cementation) and knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques would be beneficial. The successful candidate will be proficient at project management, have good practical laboratory knowledge and skills, record keeping and IT skills, organisational skills, and the ability to formally communicate knowledge and findings to academic, industry peers and colleague.

The package will offer, in addition to a competitive salary, excellent opportunities and a substantial budget to further professional development and support career progression as well as a retention bonus. The post is supported and funded through the KTP scheme led by InnovateUK.

For further information and informal enquiries please contact Professor Sebastien Farnaud -  sebastien.farnaud@coventry.ac.uk.

The Benefits

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have a access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• Life Assurance 4 x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fee’s for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• New Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle To work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Closing Date: 6th May 2024