Materials Innovation Engineer – KTP Associate in Peterborough

Materials Innovation Engineer – KTP Associate in Peterborough

Peterborough Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Leeds

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative projects transforming leather waste into sustainable materials.
  • Company: Join Generation Phoenix, a pioneer in sustainable engineered leather.
  • Benefits: Fast-track your career with hands-on experience and cutting-edge facilities.
  • Other info: Collaborate with top academics and industry experts in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in circular manufacturing and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Passion for design and innovation in materials science.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

You will be employed within the School of Design. This role is located at Generation Phoenix, Unit 1 Forli Strada, Alwalton Hill, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3HH. If you're passionate about applying your expertise to solve complex challenges in a commercial environment, this role is for you!

Take the lead in developing an innovative wet-processing technology that transforms post-consumer leather and textile waste into high-performance sustainable materials, enabling large-scale circular manufacturing and supporting growth across transport, footwear and consumer goods markets.

The University of Leeds has an excellent opportunity for you to ‘fast track’ your career in industry by leading a strategically important project to a successful conclusion. Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), you will be working in partnership with Generation Phoenix Limited and the School of Design at the University of Leeds, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.

Generation Phoenix Limited, based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, is the global pioneer of sustainable, engineered leather. Its revolutionary processes transform leather waste into advanced materials while achieving a significantly lower environmental footprint. Generation Phoenix partners with major global brands to bring these innovative, sustainable materials to market at scale, spanning aviation with leading international airlines, ground transportation, footwear including Dr. Martens, and consumer goods with Tapestry, Inc.

As a KTP Associate, you will be working closely with Generation Phoenix’s Technical team, based in Peterborough, and the academics in the School of Design to bridge knowledge gaps in developing performance sustainable products from leather waste. You will be integrated into Generation Phoenix’s Technical team, with the majority of the work being based in Gen Phoenix’s labs and pilot facilities. This provides a unique environment for you to manage this project and undertake extensive research, testing and development throughout the duration of your project. This will be supplemented when necessary, during the project by utilising the "state of the art" facilities available at the University of Leeds.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: INNOVATION SUPPORT CO-ORD (University of Leeds).

Materials Innovation Engineer – KTP Associate in Peterborough employer: University of Leeds

Generation Phoenix Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable innovation in materials engineering. Located in Peterborough, you will be part of a collaborative and dynamic team that values creativity and professional growth, while contributing to impactful projects that transform waste into high-performance materials. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and the support of the University of Leeds, this role not only promises meaningful work but also a pathway to fast-track your career in a thriving industry.

University of Leeds

Contact Details:

University of Leeds Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Materials Innovation Engineer – KTP Associate in Peterborough

Leverage Innovation Hubs

Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!

Showcase Your Projects

Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like University of Leeds.

Connect at Industry Conferences

Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.

Use Your University’s Resources

If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like University of Leeds.

We think you need these skills to ace Materials Innovation Engineer – KTP Associate in Peterborough

Wet-Processing Technology
Sustainable Materials Development
Circular Manufacturing
Project Management
Research and Development
Collaboration with Technical Teams
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.

Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at University of Leeds that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.

Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at University of Leeds and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!

Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds

Show Off Your Innovative Thinking

In an Innovation R&D Management role at University of Leeds, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.

Familiarity with Tools and Technologies

Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show University of Leeds that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At University of Leeds, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.