Mechatronics Researcher - KTP Associate

CNC Group Holdings Ltd (Colemans), Shady Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham, B44 9ER

Fixed Term (33 months)

This KTP project aims develop a novel Smart Particulate Removal and Extraction System with Sensors (SPRESS) to address the challenge of dust suppression in demolition/deconstruction works. This offers a first-to-market opportunity for Colemans, with significant environmental benefits:

Water usage will be drastically reduced, potentially eliminating water usage entirely and contamination of drainage systems with demolition dust waste.

Automation through smart sensors for enhanced energy efficiencies.

Material recovery from captured dust particles which can be re-purposed/recycled.

Improved air quality by effectively removing particles from demolition sites and surrounding areas.

Candidate Profile: PhD or equivalent research and development experience in either Mechatronics, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanisation, or related subject.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Understanding of integration of electronic and mechanised/motorised parts
• CAD skills
• MATLAB skills
• Programming skills
• Hardware and firmware knowledge of Arduino or similar embedded systems
• Demonstratable experience with a systems-based approach to engineering, incorporating electronics and mechanical principles
• Design-build skills and experience, ideally from early conception through to user feedback phase

Desirable:

• The ability to program and use existing electronic sensors
• Computational fluid dynamics skills

Personal attributes:

• An aptitude for solving technical challenges
• A growth mindset and ability to learn and develop
• The capability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Effective communication skills for transferring technology insights from Aston into Colemans
• Skills in documentation, report writing and presenting for a range of audiences
• Some project management skills with the ability to develop workplans and work to deadlines.

Additional Benefits and support:

Up to £5,500 for professional and personal development for the duration of the project

Annual leave (25 days p/a)

Professional support and mentorship

Mental Health and wellbeing: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing

Career prospects: 60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Colemans and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp.

The Company: Colemans is a family business which began removing and clearing buildings and structures over 60 years ago. Colemans is one of the leading and most recognised demolition, deconstruction and dismantling specialist contractors in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia.

More about the company: https://coleman-group.co.uk/

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Yu Jia and Dr Laura Leslie at Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Colemans with the support of the IUK-KTN’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser. 

Location: You will be based predominantly at Colemans in Birmingham. Some travel to Aston University, key clients and sites will be required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Yu Jia, e-mail: y.jia1@aston.ac.uk

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/

This role is likely to meet the criteria for endorsement under the ‘Endorsed Funder’ route of the Global Talent visa. The Global Talent visa route is available for talented and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities. 

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 01 December 2024

Interview Date: Monday 09 December 2024

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