KTP Associate in Chemical Recycling of Post-Consumer Plastics

The successful candidate will work on a 24-month collaborative Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) project between ReVentas and Heriot-Watt University to further develop a novel dissolution technology for plastic recycling. The KTP associate will help scale-up processes to deliver production of commercial-grade recycled plastic material of a virgin-type quality, suitable for untapped markets such as food approved packaging.

The role represents an opportunity to shape how purified mixed PCR materials can be reused in common and specific applications (e.g. injection moulding, blow moulding etc.). This project, and its Associate, fulfils a critical role at ReVentas and will be responsible for the transfer of knowledge from Heriot-Watt University to ReVentas and contribute to market growth for the business. This shall include, but not be limited to, embedding knowledge and expertise within the ReVentas team on materials understanding and polymer characterisation leading to end-use applications particularly those requiring food contact status. This is a strategic imperative for the project as it will drive business growth. Academic expertise from Heriot-Watt is required to develop the dissolution approach to the company process for purifying recycled plastics. This will help ReVentas to link specific process conditions to the material characteristics both through experiments and process modelling to ensure quality and purity to allow the recyclate use for food-contact packaging.

This full-time position is funded by ReVentas and InnovateUK. The successful appointee will be based predominantly at Reventas’s premises in Livingston (near Edinburgh) and will work closely with colleagues based at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton campus in Edinburgh. Extensive travel between the two sites will be required. The role will appeal to people currently engaged in work such as:

• Polymer material science
• Physical, mechanical and structural characterisation of polymers and polymer mixtures
• Wet chemistry and work with organic solvents
• Analytical chemistry and analysis of plastic and polymer materials
• Process modelling and optimisation
• As a KTP associate you will receive training as part of a cohort, training on ReVentas systems and processes and training time/budget for personal development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

• Plan and manage the activity of the project in line with the identified workplan. Produce and maintain a project budget and risk register.
• Lead the analysis and interpretation of research data, and develop reports drawn from the research findings.
• Understand the structural characteristics of the recycled polymers produced at a molecular level and how this relates to material properties
• Develop test methods for the analytical quantification of material contaminations or unwanted chemical compounds
• Test the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the purified PCR material and provide information about the structural properties of the processed material
• Support the development of the process and product
• Create process digital models for optimistation to aid acceleration of commercialisation.
• Contribute to the activities of the wider business as a full member of the ReVentas Team.

We will measure applicants based on the essential criteria, not by the key duties.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the salary of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £38,000 per annum, with a review during the project
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• You will get to work with experts in process engineering, polymer materials, computational modelling,and analytical chemistry at ReVentas and Heriot-Watt University to make real improvements to the current process used by the company and to the resultant purified product.
• As a KTP Associate, you will be part of the national Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (ktp-uk.org) scheme and entitled to specialist management training alongside other Associates, protected time for self-development and a professional development budget, which will be valuable to career development beyond the project.
• Opportunity to submit a paper to an international conference.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A PhD degree in a suitable chemical or engineering subject with a strong background in polymer science and characterisation background – alternatively a Masters degree with over 3 years direct industrial experience.
• Experience in the analysis of polymers, materials or chemical compounds using a wide variety of analytical techniques
• Experience of computational modeling techniques ideally in process analysis and optimization
• Proven written communication skills with experience of using data to build reports/articles/presentations.
• Proven verbal communication skills with experience of workshops/engaging stakeholders/giving oral presentations. An active listener and challenging questioner.
• Demonstrated effective teamwork and interpersonal skills – understanding of roles, coordination, empathy and organisational citizenship.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage computer tools for effective reporting and data analysis.
• IT skills including Microsoft Office 365.
• Good organisational skills, with a high-level of attention to detail.
• Demonstration of creative problem solving with a strong capacity for self-motivation and independent work.
• Empathetic, with a genuine commitment to the success of the project.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload, with strong time management skills.

Desirable

• Experience in chemical recycling of plastics
• Experience in polymer melt mixing techniques
• Knowledge of , Python, and Aspen HYSYS
• Experience of identifying market and business opportunities
• Experience in project management

To develop an innovative material characterisation approach for ReVentas’ plastic materials processing plant. This, combined with Reventas’ novel dissolution technology, will offer a scalable, economical and effective process for producing food-grade packaging materials from recycled consumer products.