Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate in Advanced and Digitalised Construction

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate in Advanced and Digitalised Construction. This 36-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership project with the University of Manchester and Patented Housing ltd will use advanced manufacturing techniques to optimise and digitalise the prefabrication processes of low-cost housing. The role will focus on enhancing efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety in prefabricated construction.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop simulation models by creating and validating advanced simulation models to replicate dynamic prefabricated construction sites
2. Enhance prefabricated construction processes by identifying areas of inefficiency, safety risks and design mitigation strategies, and align them with industry standards
3. Optimise task allocation by designing strategies to streamline task design and allocation to improve safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability
4. Collaborate with stakeholders by engaging with academics and industry partners to refine models, strategies, and project outputs
5. Disseminate project findings by publishing results in academic journals, generate industry reports, and lead workshops

Education, Skills and Experience

Essential Criteria:

1. Candidates should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Digital Construction or a related discipline
2. Demonstrable experience in modelling, simulation, and optimisation of industrial workflows and processes, especially in advanced manufacturing and/or prefabricated construction
3. Proficiency in systems design and optimisation, programming, and practical implementation, with a focus on advanced manufacturing in construction
4. Strong skills in simulation methodologies
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable Criteria:

1. Familiarity with machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence as applied to advanced manufacturing
2. Understanding of organisational psychology principles related to advanced manufacturing and prefabricated construction
3. Knowledge of construction workflows, equipment, and safety protocols
4. Familiarity with IoT devices, digital twinning, and sensors for advanced manufacturing applications in construction
5. Experience in mentoring or supervising workers, junior researchers, or students
6. We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Benefits

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working policy.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews – Dr Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo and Dr Clara Cheung

General enquiries and administrative support – recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

To develop, embed and exploit expertise in process optimisation, digitisation and streamlining for fast, efficient and reliable production of affordable, energy efficient modular homes.

Patented Housing Limited is the sister business of Younger Homes (Northern, Limited), and under the same ownership. Younger Homes was established as a traditional-build housing construction business in 1986. Patented Housing was incorporated in 2020 to develop and bring to market an innovative and efficient building technology, with a patented process for the manufacture of modular concrete residential properties. The company’s business objective is to bring its patented process to market and become a UK leader in prefabricated residential buildings, designed for efficiency of production and maintenance, with key target markets being Housing Associations and the care/sheltered housing sector.