KTP Associate – Bioremediation Scientist

Recycle It Global Limited; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Plymouth is seeking a KTP Associate to develop innovative biological treatment processes for marine waste. The role requires a PhD or MSc with strong bio-remediation knowledge and laboratory skills. This full-time position offers generous benefits and opportunities for professional growth. Travel to different university sites will be required.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• PhD (or MSc with industry experience) in Environmental Science, Marine Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of bio-remediation processes in marine environments.
• Ability to apply research findings to industrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and embed a saltwater-adapted biological treatment process.
• Conduct laboratory analysis and testing of materials.
• Collaborate with academic and industry stakeholders.

Skills

Bio-remediation processes

Contaminant degradation

Sediment analysis

ICP-OES

GC-MS

Microbial testing

Laboratory skills

Education

PhD or MSc in Environmental Science

Tools

Embedded systems

Job description

About the role

Are you looking to apply environmental science, bio-remediation, or marine chemistry expertise in a real-world setting to drive innovation in the sustainability treatment of marine waste?

The Role:

A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate to work with Recycle It Global Limited and the University of Plymouth on a ground-breaking project to develop and embed a saltwater-adapted biological treatment process for a cutting-edge marine dredge processing facility.

This collaboration aims to develop a novel saltwater bio-remediation agent capable of decontaminating marine dredged materials. You will be based in Plymouth, Devon. For more information about how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can accelerate your career, visit: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

You must evidence the following essential criteria in your application:

• A PhD (or MSc with industry experience) in Environmental Science, Marine Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of bio-remediation processes, particularly in marine or saltwater environments
• Expertise in contaminant degradation, particularly hydrocarbons and heavy metal Familiarity with embedded systems and system security.
• Laboratory skills in sediment analysis, ICP-OES, GC-MS, and microbial testing and materials testing.
• Ability to apply research findings to real-world industrial applications.

The following desirable criteria would be advantageous:

• Experience in waste management, dredging, or marine restoration projects.
• Familiarity with UK environmental regulations and maritime sustainability policies.
• Strong project management and data analysis capabilities.
• Highly numerate, with well-developed problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with academic, industry, and regulatory stakeholders.

The Company:

Recycle It Global (RIG) is a leading innovator in sustainable waste recycling, specialising in the processing of non-hazardous soils and construction waste into high-quality recycled aggregates.

Operating from three sites across the South West, RIG are focused on significantly reducing the quantity of waste materials destined for landfill and mine waste facilities across the globe by providing a service that allows the Construction, Demolition, Mining and Marine Dredging sectors a sustainable way to dispose of waste, and then processing that waste through state of the art wash plant facilities. More information on RIG can be found at https://rig-uk.com

You will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Professor Mark Fitzsimons at [e-mail]

Anticipated Interview Date:

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 and will take place at the RIG Offices, Office 5, Poseidon House, Neptune Park, Plymouth, PL4 0SJ and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 30 months due to Funding.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

Application Process

Please click APPLY NOWto submit your application, you will need to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 23 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.