Research & Innovation Associate: Global Training Quality

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Smiths Detection. Drawing on state-of-the-art educational research, the KTP will develop and deliver high quality, best-in-class training models for a global customer base in safety critical environments.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at Smiths Detection’s premises in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Previous applicants to this role need not apply.

We are seeking a highly driven individual to strengthen the quality and impact of training across Smiths Detection.

The successful candidate will be an experienced researcher with a strong theoretical foundation and the ability to design and implement effective interventions and/or a professional with demonstrable experience in education and training gained across multiple industries or within a global environment. You will play a key role in driving innovation and continuous improvement in Smiths Detection’s training approach.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is focused on strengthening quality assurance within our training delivery framework. Through this KTP, the company aims to embed specialised, high-quality training as a core commercial offering, giving Smiths Detection a distinct competitive advantage in a highly regulated and often uniform industry.

The project aims to address, but is not limited to the following key questions:

• How should competence be defined within our context? (Considering cultural, organisational, and sector specific interpretations of competence).
• What factors influence the development of competence? (Including delivery methodology, learner perceptions, prior experience, and the learning environment).
• How can competence development be effectively measured in the classroom? (Focusing on reliable, valid methods for assessing knowledge, skills, and practical performance).
• How can classroom acquired competence be shown to translate into effective on-the-job performance, and how should this be measured and maintained over time? (Exploring field based performance evaluations, ongoing assessments, and recertification processes).