KTP Research Associate in Chemical / Process Engineering - School of Chemical Engineering

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham and Recycling Technologies (RT). The aim of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership is to improve and scale-up RT's novel thermal process for turning mixed plastic waste into useful oil-substitute products.

The successful applicant will design, carry out and report experiments on both simulated and real process plant located at RT's premises in Swindon and at the University of Birmingham, and will be involved in the design process for the next generation of RT processes.

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership will involve the employment of two KTP Associates who will work together on the overall project. The successful applicants will be employed by the University of Birmingham but will be primarily based at Recycling Technologies' premises in Swindon.

About Recycling Technologies

Recycling Technologies is creating value from residual plastic waste on a global scale. Recycling Technologies has developed a process to economically recycle mixed plastic waste - that is currently disposed of in landfill or incinerators - into a valuable hydrocarbon product, named Plaxx®, with multiple uses in the wax and petrochemical sectors. Award-winning Plaxx® can be used by polymer manufacturers to make new plastic thereby propelling plastic into the circular economy. Find out more at www.recyclingtechnologies.co.uk

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is a government-funded technology transfer initiative that supports partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates on challenging, high profile projects. Further information is available at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ktp

Job Summary

In this role you will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of plastics recycling and the transformation of the plastics waste management industry by developing a circular economy solution. You will be challenged to develop analysis techniques to extract novel data, from novel systems, using innovative techniques, test theoretically sound concepts at scale and to deliver commercial outputs.

Specifically, you will:

• investigate the operation of a novel fluidised bed pyrolysis reactor, through experiment at a range of scales.

• develop approaches to data analysis and scale-up which can be used to assist in design of full-scale commercial equipment.

• develop understanding of fluidised bed reactor operation which can be used to optimise operational strategies for plastics feeding and process control so as improve full scale commercial operation.

• assist with pilot plant operation as necessary and as part of the Recycling Technologies team.

The principal experimental technique to be used is Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT), an advanced radiation-based imaging method which is unique to the University of Birmingham.

You will work independently and, in some cases, simultaneously with the second KTP Associate to deliver outputs. You will be strongly supported both by your Academic Supervisors and by a variety of colleagues (including researchers, doctoral students and technicians) at the University as well as staff at RT, to ensure that deliverables are met, and milestones are achieved.

Commercial experience is not essential as you will get an intense practical hands-on experience working in RT, which is continually recruiting staff and is experienced in inducting new people on-site and integrating them within the business.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental study of a fluidised bed reactor model at a range of scales, using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT).

• Analyse PEPT experimental data by a range of techniques, so building understanding of its behaviour.

• Develop understanding, through experimentation and modelling, which can be used to aid in design of full-scale industrial equipment.

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews

• Analyse research data as directed

• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters

• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods

• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research

• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research

• Attend the KTP training programme

• Attend regular meetings

Person Specification

• First degree in Engineering or the Physical Sciences

• Lab experience (extremely desirable), experimental design and its application

• Willingness to work with radiation sources under appropriately controlled conditions

• Scientific computer literacy and familiarity with basic data analysis techniques

• Practical experience of applying relevant skills and techniques

• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively

• Ability to access and organise resources successfully

Informal enquiries can be made to Christopher Windows-Yule; c.r.windows-yule@bham.ac.uk