KTP Associate

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a full-time candidate for a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership, focused on developing AI-driven control systems for renewable energy. The role involves collaboration with industry partners and provides extensive training and personal development opportunities. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in Computer Science or Engineering, coding skills in Python and MATLAB, and experience with control systems. This position offers a chance to enhance your project management capabilities and contribute to innovative industrial research.

Benefits

£5,000 training budget

Unique career opportunity

Support for research and skill development

Opportunity to manage projects early in career

KTP residential training

Possibility to write academic papers and present at conferences

Qualifications

• Proficiency in coding with Python, MATLAB, and data analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding with hands-on experience with control systems.
• Working knowledge of machine learning/optimisation and renewable energy systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI-driven control and optimisation tools for renewable energy systems.
• Collaborate with industry and academia on strategic innovation projects.
• Manage and lead projects early in your career.

Skills

Computer Science

Engineering

Python

MATLAB

Control systems

Machine learning

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Good degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field

Job description

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full-time post is available from June 2026 on a fixed-term basis until November 2028.

Role

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and HydroStar Europe Ltd. The KTP will develop AI-driven control, optimisation, and forecasting tools that enable Hydrostar’s electrolysis systems to operate efficiently, safely, and economically under variable and unpredictable renewable energy inputs (solar, wind, hybrid systems).

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at HydroStar’s operational site in Exeter.

Company Information

Hydrostar is an Exeter-based company developing advanced electrolysis technologies to enable practical, low‑carbon hydrogen production. Our systems are modular, scalable, and engineered for real-world conditions, supporting applications from on‑site industrial hydrogen generation to distributed energy systems. By combining electrochemical innovation with intelligent system design, Hydrostar aims to reduce the cost and complexity of green hydrogen and accelerate the transition to a net‑zero energy system.

Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources, is increasingly recognised as a foundational element of future low‑carbon energy systems. In recent years, the sector has undergone accelerated expansion, reflecting growing political, industrial, and financial commitment. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide during production, offering a clean and sustainable energy vector for sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as heavy industry, shipping, and long‑haul transport.

More information about Hydrostar Europe Ltd. can be found at: https://www.hydrostar-eu.com/.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• A good degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a closely related field
• Proficiency in coding with Python, MATLAB and data analysis techniques
• Strong understanding and hands‑on experience with the design, implementation and operation of control systems
• Strong analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Working knowledge of machine learning/optimisation and renewable energy systems
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of people
• Capacity to become a strong project manager, taking on the leadership of a strategic innovation project

Benefits

• A £5,000 training budget with 10% of your working time dedicated to personal development
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working with both industry and academia
• The successful applicant will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support
• The opportunity to manage and lead on a project early on in your career
• Specific KTP residential training
• The possibility to write academic papers and present at conferences

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Contact

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Ed Keedwell – [e-mail], University of Exeter or Charlie Newbold – [e-mail] at HydroStar.