Mechanics of Materials Associate (Knowledge Transfer Partnership)

Location: Hybrid Working

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed-term contract for 19 months or to 12 March 2027, whichever sooner

Salary details: Up to £34,000 per annum plus a £2,000 training package per annum

Hours per week: 37.5

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious graduate with a background in mechanical or chemical engineering, or other relevant disciplines, to develop a predictive model for the manufacture of pharmaceutical tablet formulations. Employed by the University of Leicester, you will be based at I Holland’s premises in Long Eaton, near Nottingham, driving this unique academic and industrial collaboration. 

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership aims to examine material properties and deliver a predictive model to inform tablet producers about the type of XDF (eXtended Dwell Flat) Form Head that will reduce sticking. The project will support I Holland’s R&D team to embed new knowledge, increasing competitiveness and profitability.

About I Holland Ltd

I Holland is the world's best-known manufacturer of tablet punches and dies, established for 75 years. They manufacture approximately 350,000 tablet tools per year, delivering to over 500 customers worldwide, with 90% of tooling produced for export. All manufacturing is at one site in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire. Their experience, research, and engineering know-how provide precision tooling solutions for thousands of customers in over 100 countries. The company values research and collaboration with customers and scientific partners, aiding the development of innovative, robust, and quality products that provide increased tooling lifetime and performance benefits. Every punch and die manufactured at I Holland is bespoke.

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

For 50 years, KTPs have been helping businesses innovate for growth by connecting them with the expertise to deliver innovation ideas. A KTP could be the perfect launchpad for your career, managing a challenging project central to a business’ strategic development and long-term growth. You’ll ‘own’ your project, linked to both a university and a business, with full support from experienced teams. This is a chance to deliver impact and shape your career, opening doors within both academia and industry.

Benefits

As a KTP Associate, you will receive:

• A budget for training and personal development
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser
• Full access to university and I Holland’s resources
• A laptop
• World-leading academic and company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated KTP Office

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Prof Csaba Sinka (ics4@leicester.ac.uk).

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15 April 2025.

Advert closes midnight on: 31 March 2025 

Advert information