KTP Associate - Quinn Building Products Ltd

To transfer technology between the university and the company.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Post - – Materials.
- Review mix design and identification of new materials;
- Physical and chemical characterisation of materials;
- Optimisation of mixes for hollowcore slabs and roof tiles and development of thermal and acoustic high performance flowable concrete;
- Assessment and adjustment of the mixes;
- Evaluation of performance, cost effectiveness and analysis of carbon footprint of optimised mixes;
- Set up of R&D laboratory;
- Embedding of new technology and expertise;
- Staff training and development of standard operating procedures.

Post 2 – Structures.
- Review of the market for method of modular construction;
- Design of the structural elements of the modular system including insulation;
- Develop the structural jointing system for the module to provide robustness;
- Design of renewables, service details and CO2 calculations to identify the components required to deliver a sustainable solution;
- Development of a moulding system with five sides and produce prototypes; - Testing of the acoustic and thermal performance of the modular system and determine code level in line with Code for Sustainable Housing;
- Analysis of transporation logistics including costings;
- Development and manufacture of a full scale modular system;
- Develop a design manual and embed knowledge within systems, processes and procedures.

• Manage and coordinate the items of work as laid out in the project plan (individual work plan will be provided by Supervisors).
• Undertake activities to achieve the objectives and meet the major duties of the post and ensure that the end goals are achieved.
• Present regular progress reports to members of the Steering and Management Groups and to external audiences.
• Write up results of work and keep record of achievements. Monitor travel and development budgets and produce a Personal Development Plan which will ensure best use of financial resources.
• Responsibility for embedding acquired knowledge in the company.
• Contribute to training of staff in the company and university as required.
• Carry out supervision of placement students or other staff members as required:
  - Carry out routine administrative duties as necessary, e.g. arranging meetings, taking minutes, maintaining website.
  - Attend training modules (mandatory and additional job-specific training). This may be local, national and international.
  - Perform any other additional duties as agreed by the Local Management Committee and Steering Groups to contribute to the development of the company, the university and the Associate.

Planning and Organising:

• Plan day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed work plan.
• Contribute to the planning and management of the project, approximately 3-6 months in advance.
• Ensure that all training and development activity is scheduled to ensure that progress on the work plan objectives is not interrupted or delayed. Resource Management Responsibilities:
• Plan and manage day-to-day resources to ensure the project runs to time and on budget.
• Coordinate and obtain approval for planned expenditure/allocation of resources with the Management Committee and Steering Group.
• Ensure that the KTP Office is kept informed of forthcoming expenditure.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise with company staff on a daily basis.
• Build relationships with both company and university staff to ensure effective working practices are established.
• Attend and contribute to any appropriate meetings, both in the company and the university as required.
• Establish contacts with additional groups and organisations (other KTP Associates, other university departments, other industrial contacts, and Innovate UK) as required to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Hold, or be about to obtain in July 2016, at least a 2:- accredited Honours degree (or equivalent) in Civil or Structural
• Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Applicants who hold, or are about to obtain a 2 accredited Honours Degree (or equivalent) in the above, in addition to either one year’s relevant industrial experience or a related higher degree will also be considered.
• All candidates will be considered for both posts.
• Preferences will be established at interview.

Post - – Materials;
- Knowledge of concrete demonstrated through completion of a relevant undergraduate module.
- Three months relevant work experience.

Post 2 – Structures;
- Excellent understanding of structural design and modular building concepts.
- Knowledge of construction methodology demonstrated through completion of a relevant undergraduate module.
- Three months relevant work experience.

• Good oral written and presentation skills.
• High level of IT skills.
• Ability to think logically, create solutions and make informed decisions. A high level of numeracy and the ability to interpret data. Ability to work effectively as a member of a group.

Well organised, attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
- An interest in staying with the Company (Associates are normally invited to apply for permanent positions).
- Ability to take part in Associate management courses (requiring two one-week periods in England).
- Willing/able to travel throughout the UK and Ireland and abroad, as necessary.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Hold a higher degree in a relevant area.
• Knowledge of cement chemistry.
• Specialist knowledge of cement replacement materials.
• One years’ relevant work experience.
• Awareness of Eurocodes and industry standards.
• Ability to deliver training and follow-up support to operatives.
• Ability to influence people effectively. Tenacious and committed to achieving goals. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: One of the key KTP benefits for graduates is access to an £8,500 training and travel budget during a 24 month project. It is also worth noting that the majority of KTP Associates are offered full time employment with the company partner at the end of their projects.