KTP Associate - Circularising Plastics in Healthcare

Job reference: SAE-029633
Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Materials
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 09/09/2025
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 19 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Overall Purpose of the Job

The overall purpose of the KTP Associate role is to lead the strategic project (CircularMed: Transforming Healthcare Plastics for Sustainable Practices and Infection Control) aimed at enhancing the sustainability of Vernacare’s product range by increasing the circularity of polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC) plastics used in their healthcare products whilst not adversely affecting their infection prevention credentials. This involves applying advanced materials science and engineering principles to develop and implement innovative recycling and consider the environmental impact on a life cycle basis and evaluating these using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Ultimately this role is focussed on driving environmental improvements by utilising the expertise and capabilities within the University of Manchester to support Vernacare’s commitment to sustainability.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is Europe’s leading programme helping businesses to improve their competiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Throughout the KTP you will;

• Receive a competitive salary
• Gain excellent experience of managing a high profile project
• Receive formal management training
• Have access to a £4000 professional development and training budget
• Receive mentoring and support from academic staff and industry professionals

Further information on KTP, including case studies, can be found at;

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/collaborate/business-engagement/knowledge-exchange/transferpartnerships/

Due to the nature of the funding, KTP Associates who have already completed a KTP are not eligible to apply.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Tom McDonald

Email: Thomas.mcdonald@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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