Geotechnical Engineer (KTP Associate)

Job Purpose
The Associate will lead a project at the interface between research and practice. They will lead the characterisation of virgin and marginal fill materials through advanced laboratory testing, developing a comprehensive database of their hydromechanical properties. They will conduct geogrid-soil interaction experiments using specialised equipment to advance understanding of geosynthetic behaviour under various stress regimes. Using these insights, the candidate will develop and validate new design methodologies to enhance geogrid-reinforced geotechnical systems, improving performance certainty, reducing construction costs, and lowering embodied carbon. They will collaborate on field trials, monitor performance data, and refine designs based on real-world results. Additionally, they will work closely with Geosynthetics’ engineering team to embed knowledge, support training initiatives, and contribute to the commercial application of project outcomes.

Job Duties
• Project Management and Delivery: Execute the KTP project tasks according to the project workplan, ensuring timely delivery of key outcomes. Manage the project effectively, collaborating with stakeholders to facilitate commercialization.
• Technical Research and Development: Conduct experimental programs to evaluate the performance of geogrid-reinforced soil systems using laboratory testing and field monitoring. Develop an in-depth understanding of current design methodologies and develop new approaches based on project findings.
• Knowledge Dissemination and Embedding: Document research progress, results, and insights, ensuring knowledge transfer within Geosynthetics Ltd. Engage with internal stakeholders, including senior leaders, technical teams, and commercial departments, to embed project outcomes into business practices.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and project updates for internal meetings, supervision sessions, LMCs, advisory panels, and other relevant forums. Communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Publication and Intellectual Property Management: Contribute to the academic community through the preparation of research papers for journals and conferences, ensuring alignment with commercial sensitivities. Support the identification and protection of intellectual property generated from the project.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with clients, industry partners, and academic collaborators to promote the project outcomes. Develop networks to support the application and evaluation of project findings in real-world settings.
• Training and Development: Participate in KTP management training, personal development courses, and other relevant training opportunities. Apply learnings to enhance project delivery and career progression.
• Additional Responsibilities: Fulfil other duties as required, aligned with the role’s nature and responsibilities, ensuring flexibility and contribution to the project’s overall success.
• Work with stakeholders, including senior leaders, the company technical, commercial, sales, marketing teams across the business.

This is a 24-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Loughborough University and Geosynthetics Ltd, funded by UKRI Innovate UK. There is potential to continue employment with Geosynthetics Ltd. beyond the KTP, subject to the candidate’s performance and visa requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking and ambitious engineer to join a company that supplies geosynthetic materials and associated design services to the construction sector. You will be joining a company that is looking to develop and improve, through this KTP, its design services and offer more sustainable solutions, into the industry related to the design and understanding of the performance of geogrid soil reinforcement systems. You will have autonomy to lead and develop the project.