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- Tasks: Join a team to innovate biomaterials from food waste and bridge academia with industry.
- Company: Cardiff Metropolitan University, a values-driven institution fostering community spirit.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, pension scheme, family-friendly policies, and access to sports facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable materials science while developing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD in materials science with strong communication and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As part of a funded project, via the Vanguard Initiative of interregional European business-led innovation, we are seeking a skilled materials scientist to join our team. The role will help deliver the project objectives between the university and the business partner (an SME producing a biomaterial from food waste) in the valorisation of production waste into new value-add materials. Your work as a materials scientist will support the innovation link between academia and industry, helping to guide the day-to-day tasks and empower both parties in the application of the shared knowledge created.
You’ll lead the way by:
- Evaluating the production process and aiding in the sustainable by design manufacturing redesign.
- Designing and developing novel pathways for the use of biomaterial scraps and off-cuts from the production process, including the analysis and materials characterisation of the material generated.
- Analysing and evaluating biomaterial functional properties, including physical and chemical resistance, including surface antibacterial testing.
- Being comfortable with data, seeking to categorise and format the data generated to understand and elucidate trends and causality in the biomaterial property-function dynamic.
You’ll play a key role in bridging between the manufacturing team and the university team to inform, translate and disseminate information and findings produced throughout the project lifetime.
What You’ll Bring
With superb written and verbal communication skills and experience of presenting data in various formats, you’ll be able to craft insightful reports for both the university and business partner. Your expertise in materials formation and characterisation using multiple lab techniques will enable you to analyse and articulate complex data, thinking creatively to solve problems and turn these into actionable recommendations. It’s not just about data, it’s about people. As our Biomaterials Research Associate, your exceptional interpersonal skills will enable you to connect with various teams, inspiring and influencing your partners to think strategically.
Additionally you’ll:
- Hold a PhD in materials science, including experience of material characterisation and analysis. Specific biomaterial experience is desirable but not essential.
- Evidence experience of materials processing and reprocessing, through techniques such as grinding, milling, separation, pelletisation, etc.
- Knowledge of industrial manufacturing is desirable but not essential.
- Demonstrate a varied skillset of analytical techniques, such as particle analysis, surface/structural analysis, tensile and resistance testing, etc.
- Knowledge of antibacterial testing is desirable but not essential.
- Evidence good presentation skills, particularly in written and verbal format, showcasing your aptitude to present complex data in an accessible manner for actionable decision making.
- Knowledge of international standard testing methods for materials is desirable.
- Be able to support and develop the project team to reach their potential by using a range of engagement techniques.
Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.
We Offer Excellent Benefits Such As
- Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday/concessionary days.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
- Excellent family friendly policies - take a look on our Policy Hub page.
- Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
- Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.
Contact us
For more information about the role please contact Professor Christopher Wallis on cwallis@cardiffmet.ac.uk or feel free to contact Aleks Janusiewicz, the Recruitment Advisor supporting this vacancy on ajanusiewicz2@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
Research Associate - POLYSMART project in Cardiff employer: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Contact Detail:
Cardiff Metropolitan University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - POLYSMART project in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the materials science field, especially those connected to biomaterials. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially any work related to materials characterisation or biomaterials. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. Practice explaining complex data in simple terms, as this is key for bridging academia and industry. Remember, it’s all about making connections and inspiring others with your knowledge!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and highlighting your relevant experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - POLYSMART project in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in materials science and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with the POLYSMART project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves bridging academia and industry, it’s crucial to demonstrate your written and verbal communication prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application to reflect your ability to present complex data effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you’ve got experience with biomaterials or any of the techniques mentioned in the job description, make sure to bring that to the forefront. We’re keen to see how your background can contribute to our innovative goals!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff Metropolitan University
✨Know Your Biomaterials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biomaterials, especially those related to food waste. Be ready to discuss how you can apply your expertise in materials science to the specific challenges of the POLYSMART project.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves bridging academia and industry, practice articulating complex data in a clear and engaging way. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated technical information to non-experts in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about materials characterisation and analysis techniques. Review your experience with methods like tensile testing or antibacterial testing, and be ready to explain how these techniques can be applied to the project.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Discuss how you can inspire and influence others, as this role requires strong collaboration between different stakeholders.