Associate – Knowledge Transfer Partnership [KTP]
34 hours per week
24 month fixed term from project start
Grade 7: £38,205 – £44,263 per annum
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire
The role
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Associate with a robust background in computer science to join our dynamic project team at Aberystwyth University. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of developing advanced computational tools tailored for the ceramics industry, playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application. This role requires expertise in creating customized algorithms to optimize the dense packing of complex-shaped objects, a key innovation that will lead to a significant reduction in the ceramics industry’s carbon footprint, driving critical environmental benefits. These advancements are not just a technical improvement but a vital step toward sustainability in the industry. Additionally, the Associate will leverage innovative machine learning techniques to enhance the packing process and design intuitive, user-friendly front-end tools accessible to non-specialists.
The Associate will be embedded with the industrial partner, Parkinson-Spencer Refractories, in Halifax, UK, where they will reside and work closely with the company. They will be responsible for thoroughly documenting the project using a version control workflow, a crucial practice that ensures changes to the project’s code and documentation are tracked, allowing for collaboration, error recovery, and improved organization. Proficiency in C programming and Python is essential for this role. Additionally, experience with machine learning frameworks and full-stack development skills are highly desirable and will significantly enhance the candidate’s ability to contribute to the project.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a critical project, develop valuable contacts and expertise in both academia and industry, gain essential skills in an Industry 4.0 environment, and be part of a multi-disciplinary team. There is significant potential for career progression opportunities beyond this project for the successful candidate. The role offers a £4,000 personal development budget to attend conferences, gain certifications, and expand your expertise in advanced technologies.
To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr Adil Mughal at aqm@aber.ac.uk or Jafar Daji at Jafar.Daji@parkinson-spencer.co.uk.
Appointments are normally made within 4 – 8 weeks of the closing date.
Further Particulars
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
This position forms part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), funded by Innovate UK and the Welsh Government. It is important that you understand how KTP works with business and the University (in this case Aberystwyth University), and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position. For more information on KTPs please visit https://www.ktp-uk.org/graduates/.
Working with a team of both scientists and industry-focused professionals, the Associate will collaborate closely with researchers at Aberystwyth University to explore and identify commercially viable applications for PSR’s innovative manufacturing processes.
PSR manufactures ceramic products on an industrial scale for the glass industry, with these products requiring firing in large industrial kilns. Each kiln batch includes a variety of objects that can differ in size and shape. A significant production cost for PSR is the energy required to heat the kiln. To address this, PSR has identified an opportunity to reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing the packing density of items within the kiln, thereby lowering the cost per unit of production. In this project, you will develop advanced computational methods to maximize the efficient packing of objects within the kiln, contributing to both environmental sustainability and cost efficiency.
The Associate will be responsible for developing a computerized system to optimize kiln packing density, navigating challenges in technical execution, resource management, collaboration, and project oversight. Essential to this role is experience in planning, conducting, and testing scientific simulations, with the code development undertaken in close collaboration with the academic team. Hands-on collaboration with kiln-loading personnel will be crucial to understand real-world constraints and ensure practical solutions.
Key technical challenges include coding for objects with variable shapes, which will require the implementation of advanced algorithms and extensive testing. The project will progress from simpler scenarios to more complex ones, demanding a meticulous approach to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Maintaining comprehensive documentation via version control (e.g. GIT) is crucial. The Associate will be responsible for managing the project from inception to completion, proactively addressing technical and resource challenges as they arise.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded individual interested in developing advanced computerized solutions for a pioneering industrial company.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills required:
1. Demonstrated expertise in scientific computing, with a focus on optimization and algorithm development, supported by a master’s degree in mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, or a related field. Outstanding candidates with a bachelor’s degree and substantial post-graduate industrial experience will also be considered. Strong programming skills, with proven experience in at least one of C or Python, and the ability to quickly learn and apply new programming languages or tools as needed.
2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
3. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team and in an industrial environment.
4. An ability to interpret data and assimilate its implications in context of the study aims and objectives.
5. The ability to manage time effectively and to deliver detailed reports to strict deadlines.
6. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.
How to apply
To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.
Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Benefits
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Commitment to Professional Development.
• Health and wellbeing support schemes.
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes.
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave.
Please keep reading
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.
We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to the institution, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills in the workplace. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
This position forms part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), funded by Innovate UK and the Welsh Government. It is important that you understand how KTP works with business and the University (in this case Aberystwyth University), and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position. For more information on KTPs please visit https://www.ktp-uk.org/graduates/.
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