At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop sustainable thermal insulation boards from upcycled leather waste and lead innovative design projects.
- Company: Join Aforce London Ltd. and Imperial College London in a pioneering sustainability initiative.
- Benefits: Accelerated career development, dual mentorship, and hands-on experience in R&D to market.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across industry and academia.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with cutting-edge materials and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in materials science, engineering, or related fields; creative problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a full-time 24-month postdoctoral KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) Associate post, in collaboration between Aforce London Ltd. and Imperial College London. Aforce London Ltd. manufactures high-quality leather components and finished goods for the automotive, fashion, aviation, and home design sectors and aims at becoming a leader in sustainable leather materials innovation.
The core mission of this KTP project is to develop a novel recycling process that transforms high-quality leather offcuts, from the automotive and aviation industries, into sustainable thermal insulation boards, reducing landfill waste and supporting the circular economy. The role spans materials upcycling, digital simulation, physical prototyping, manufacturing, market and IP analysis, and knowledge embedding within the business.
The KTP associate will:
- Lead all leather materials design, modelling (e.g. thermal) and characterisation (e.g. mechanical, thermal) modelling activities.
- Manufacture and test new insulation board prototypes.
- Conduct life cycle analysis (LCA).
- Support certification (e.g., BBA approval).
What we are looking for:
- Research Associate: Hold a PhD in materials science and engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
- Research Assistant: A first / masters degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
- Expertise in design, modelling, manufacture and characterisation of natural/synthetic polymeric materials, preferably leather.
- Creative problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
- Willingness to travel and work both based at the company (Aforce London Ltd) and Imperial College London.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people.
What we can offer you:
- Shape the development of a sustainable thermal insulation board from upcycled leather waste.
- Enjoy an accelerated technical and professional development pathway with dual academic and industry mentorship.
- Gain first-hand experience in every stage of the R&D-to-market pipeline—from simulation to customer engagement and commercial roll-out.
Please note, this position is available until 31st Aug 2028. We are hoping that the successful candidate will start as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by Dr. Emiliano Bilotti and Dr. Vito Tagarielli in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College and by Mr. Alla Al Masuri, director of Aforce London Ltd.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above. We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
About Imperial: Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
Our Culture: We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination, and creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
KTP Research Assistant or Associate in Sustainable Thermal Insulation Boards in London employer: SONICOM
At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KTP Research Assistant or Associate in Sustainable Thermal Insulation Boards in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like SONICOM that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like SONICOM that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like SONICOM. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like SONICOM when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace KTP Research Assistant or Associate in Sustainable Thermal Insulation Boards in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with SONICOM's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for KTP Research Assistant or Associate in Sustainable Thermal Insulation Boards.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research SONICOM and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that SONICOM is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of KTP Research Assistant or Associate in Sustainable Thermal Insulation Boards.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with SONICOM.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at SONICOM.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of SONICOM. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
