Farrans Construction Ltd in partnership with Ulster University, has established a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project and is offering an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly motivated civil engineering or cement/concrete science graduate to work as a KTP Associate. The Associate will oversee the development and valorisation of low-value/high-volume soil waste generated from the construction sector through treatment and reuse as a circular economy-friendly, low-carbon alternative to virgin cementitious building material, to Portland cement-based products.
The KTP Associate will lead the development of new innovative frameworks that will bolster Farrans capabilities and collectively:
1. Reduce the volume of materials taken off-site as waste and boost circular economic growth;
2. Reduce CO2 emissions associated with Portland cement use for manufacturing concrete;
3. Make Farrans Construction Ltd a market-leader in sustainable soil waste-based ‘circular’ cement and concrete manufacture;
4. Transform the civil engineering sector by creating a closed loop system for soil waste streams and raw material production;
5. Enable Farrans Construction Ltd to meet market demands for low-carbon waste management and construction material solutions.
The KTP Associate will undertake the complex task of developing new frameworks that will valorise low-value high-volume excavated soil waste generated from the construction sector for reuse in manufacturing new net zero carbon-friendly cementitious construction materials. This strategy will contribute towards the growth of the UK’s circular economy and reduce our dependence on Portland cements for manufacturing concretes. The role involves utilising skills across civil engineering (including cements, concrete and geotechnics), waste management and life cycle assessment. It also involves working with stakeholders (academics and industry) and managing the project to create a robust set of frameworks and novel commercially viable product solutions that will support the valorisation of construction soil waste and decarbonisation of concrete construction materials. The Associate will need to advocate for the project’s importance and convince stakeholders of its value, thus highlighting the potential benefits it brings to the business, targeted development partners and clients.
Main Duties
1. Develop a detailed understanding of geotechnical soil waste material management planning, cement and concrete mix design, engineering performance laboratory testing, analytical physical and chemical material characterisation, techno-economic assessment, environmental compliance, life cycle assessment and project management (for site, office and laboratory activities);
2. Characterise the physical and chemical properties (including composition) of soil waste streams;
3. Develop soil waste treatment framework for promoting improved soil management and cementitious properties;
4. Use the treatment framework for designing low-carbon concrete formulations and performing British and European Standard compliant engineering performance testing;
5. Assess the techno-economics and life cycle credentials of newly developed soil waste-based cementitious products;
6. Oversee embedment of new knowledge and frameworks arising from the project into Farrans Construction Ltd through personnel training and delivery of in-house workshops;
7. Co-ordinate activities to protect any intellectual property for frameworks and products developed in the KTP;
8. Identify future investment needs within Farrans Construction Ltd to upscale and commercialise processes and products developed during the KTP;
9. Dissemination of project outputs through industrial magazines, conferences, roadshows and academic journals.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should hold a minimum of a Bachelors honours degree (First Class) and a Masters degree (Pass with Merit or above) in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Preferred Skills and Experience
The Associate should have good skills and experience in three or more of the following areas:
1. Knowledge and experience of using research methods (and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research) and/or being involved in research;
2. Civil / Geotechnical engineering (including laboratory testing, site works);
3. Cement and concrete science (including laboratory testing);
4. Construction waste management;
5. Physical and chemical material characterisation of geological and cement/concrete materials (e.g. XRF, XRD, SEM-EDX);
6. Life cycle assessment.
Benefits
This KTP project provides a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real industry challenge whilst benefitting from industrial and academic supervision and mentoring from Ulster University’s experts Dr Paul Sargent, Dr Adrian Boyd and Dr Angela Rolfe who will enhance your technical expertise in geotechnics, cement and concrete science, material characterisation, techno-economic and life cycle assessments. As a KTP Associate you will also acquire new skills in strategic leadership that can help to super-charge your career. Additional benefits include:
1. Generous £10k Training, Development, equipment & Travel Budget dedicated to project delivery, which include but not limited to trainings and courses to enhance research skills as well as for critical networking with key players in the field, specific project equipment etc.;
2. FREE formal management training and development;
3. FREE University postgraduate study opportunity including 2 years of part time PhD study if appropriate;
4. 10% Associate development time built into work plan;
5. Opportunity to work with academics to develop scientific articles to be published in peer-reviewed, world-class academic research journals;
6. Competitive salary;
7. Enhanced skills and experience that are marketable and highly transferable;
8. KTPs accelerate careers.
The appointment will be for a period of two years and although the post is administratively linked to the University, the Associate will be based at the Company’s premises in Dunmurry, Belfast. Successful completion of the KTP may lead to a new position within the company partner at the end of the project period.
Both Farrans Construction Ltd and Ulster University are Equal Opportunities employers.
Further information can be found in the Candidate Briefing Document.
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