KTP Associate in Chemistry

You will be delivering an ambitious innovation project which will tackle the production line of PVC compounds. The project’s scope spans the development and implementation of a semi-automated analytical strategy, process development for dematerialisation and waste valorisation to new products and finally quantifying the environmental impact of the developed processes.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

This KTP project will develop and implement an analytical strategy to categorize substandard products during production processes which will then be used to dematerialize production lines and upcycle waste streams, within INEOS Compounds Newton-Aycliffe.

In line with the University’s mission and corporate strategy, and Ineos business and culture, you will:

· Develop a full understanding of the strategic aims and function of the collaborative project between INEOS Compounds and Northumbria University.

· Undertake research, design, development, implementation, project management and take ownership of the KTP project.

· Feedback to the project team and deliver the project in accordance with the project plan and KTP management requirements.

· Document progress during the project, as well as completing KTP records.

· Present research outputs to a varied audience including INEOS Compounds management, clients, University academics and the KTP Local Management Committee (project team).

The Associate will need to lead and manage the KTP and be an effective ‘translator’ between the academic team and INEOS compounds, ensuring all partners benefit from the KTP. As such, they will need to possess the following attributes and apply these within the role:

Academic Qualifications:

· The candidate should be qualified to a Masters level in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or related discipline.

· A PhD in a relevant discipline is desirable.

· This role is full-time so candidates must have completed their course of study. PhD-level candidates must have submitted their thesis prior to starting the post.

Expertise and experience:

· The candidate should have experience of research applied to analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, polymer processing, and polymer chemistry.

· Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, especially of polymers utilised within industry.

· Professional experience working in materials science and within industry is desirable.

· Knowledge of chemometrics (e.g. PCA) and life cycle assessment is desirable.

· Knowledge of sustainability principles and circular economy frameworks.

· Understanding of regulatory requirements for recycled plastics (e.g., REACH, FDA/EFSA compliance)

Skills:

· Strong knowledge, skills and experience in analytical chemistry and polymer processing (E)

· Knowledge, skills and experience in synthetic chemistry, particularly with commodity polymers (E)

· Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (e.g., TGA, DSC, FTIR, tensile testing). (E)

· Experience with experimental design and data interpretation. (E)

· The ability to write and present high quality reports as part of the KTP programme, and produce dissemination and promotional material for the company, specific to the project. (E)

· Understanding of chemometrics, composites (including cementitious systems), dematerialisation and waste valorisation (D)

· Familiarity with chemistry within industry (D)

· Ability to analyse complex technical problems and propose innovative, evidence-based solutions. (D)