Chemical Engineer - KTP Associate

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leicester seeks a chemical engineering postgraduate or PhD graduate to lead a sustainability project in Belfast. This role integrates academic research with industrial application, offering mentorship and opportunities to develop valuable skills in process design and life cycle assessment. The selected candidate will gain hands-on experience while contributing to industry innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

£2,000 annually for personal development

Access to university resources

National KTP training

Qualifications

• Expertise in managing large-scale laboratory devices.
• PhD/MChem in chemical engineering or equivalent.
• Proven analytical problem-solving capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead a transformative sustainability project.
• Develop a pilot plant, embedding circularity.
• Collaborate with academic and industry leaders.

Skills

Problem solving

Project management

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD or MChem equivalent in chemical engineering

Tools

Large-scale laboratory devices

Job description

About the role

Are you a driven chemical engineering postgraduate or PhD graduate ready to make a real-world impact? This is a unique opportunity to lead a transformative sustainability project in the heart of Belfast through a prestigious Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Leicester and SFXRay Ltd.

Based at SFXRay’s innovative facility, you’ll spearhead the development of a pilot plant, embedding circularity into the company’s manufacturing process. This role blends academic research with industrial application, offering the rare chance to manage your own project while receiving expert mentorship from both academic and industry leaders.

We’re looking for a proactive, analytical thinker with strong communication skills and a passion for sustainability and innovation. You’ll gain hands-on experience in process design, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment—while contributing to a greener future.

This is more than a job—it’s a launchpad for your career, offering £2,000 annually for personal development, access to university resources, and national KTP training.

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing. Apply now and be part of something impactful.

About you

You will have the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Expertise in managing and overseeing large-scale laboratory devices
• PhD or good level MChem or equivalent in chemical engineering
• Project management, time and organisational skills
• Evidence of proven analytical problem-solving capability

You will have the following abilities and competencies:

• Problem solving
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, serving as a liaison between the business and academic partners, and discussing developments and results confidentially and effectively with external stakeholders
• Team worker, liaising between the business and knowledge partners
• Collaborate with producers and recyclers in a confidential manner
• Present technical results from the project with potential new customers
• Professional discretion and ability to handle confidential information

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed toDr Jake Yang, Lecturer in Physical Chemistry, [e-mail].

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be foundhere.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community ofCitizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local communitythrough our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time, fixed-term contract for 24 months until 31 August 2027