Sustainable Materials and Textile Innovation Associate

Do you hold a PhD or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline? Do you have a strong background in sustainability? Are you interested in working in a multidisciplinary role providing innovative solutions to unique recycling challenges?

As a KTP Associate, you will take the lead in developing an innovative fibre-to-fibre recycling process for high-visibility PPE textiles at MYGroup. Working closely with experts from the University of Leeds, you’ll conduct research and hands-on experimentation across mechanical, thermomechanical, and chemical recycling methods to transform textile waste into high-quality materials.

You will contribute to the development of decision-making tools, sorting systems, and internal training resources that will embed new capability within the company. You’ll also be expected to manage project milestones, engage with stakeholders, and present your findings, giving you real-world experience in delivering impactful, sustainability-focused innovation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design, develop, and optimise advanced recycling methodologies for high visibility PPE textiles, including mechanical, thermomechanical, and chemical processes;
• Conduct experimental work and materials testing in both industrial and academic laboratory settings, making use of facilities at MYGroup and the University of Leeds;
• Undertake analytical evaluation of recycled materials using instruments such as FTIR, NMR, and DSC, and apply data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python) to support process optimisation;
• Develop practical decision-support tools and waste classification frameworks to streamline the selection of appropriate recycling pathways;
• Translate recovered textile waste into commercially viable outputs;
• Produce comprehensive technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and knowledge transfer resources to support long-term integration within MYGroup;
• Deliver structured training sessions and workshops to upskill MYGroup staff and embed new technologies and workflows into day-to-day workplace operations;
• Coordinate project activities, manage timelines and deliverables, and lead regular project meetings with both academic and industry stakeholders;
• Facilitate effective cross-sector collaboration between academic supervisors; industry partners, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of project objectives;
• Contribute to commercialisation strategy, supporting scale-up, patenting, and market deployment of innovative recycling solutions.

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.