Research Fellow (KTP Associate – UoB/Salinity Solutions Ltd) - School of Engineering - 105932 -[...]

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a KTP Associate role at the University of Birmingham involves leading a project that develops water purification technology. This position combines research and practical application in collaboration with Salinity Solutions to enhance the growth and sustainability of water treatment systems. The role requires strong analytical skills, a solid educational background, and an ability to communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree along with a high analytical capability is essential.
• Experience in process technology such as water treatment processes is required.
• Fluency in modeling techniques and ability to contribute to new ones.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for joint research.
• Analyse and interpret data from experiments and simulations.
• Supervise students on research-related work and support PhD students.

Skills

Analysis and modelling of process technologies

Excellent time management and problem-solving skills

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Education

First degree in relevant subject

Higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications

Tools

Specialist software such as CAD, CFD, LabVIEW

Job description

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2028

Closing date: 15th July 2025

Final round interviews scheduled: 31st July 2025

Background

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham and Salinity Solutions Limited. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership project will focus on scaling-up the technology and transferring existing knowledge of this process from the University of Birmingham to Salinity Solutions, where it can be commercialised and accelerate the growth of the company. The need is to develop significantly larger system designs and simulations and to embed the added knowledge into the business as a legacy capability to reduce the reliance on the University.

Please note that the successful applicant will be employed by the University of Birmingham but will be primarily based at Salinity Solutions Limited premises in Tyseley Energy Park, Fordrough, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8DW.

About Salinity Solutions Limited

Salinity Solutions is a spin out of the University of Birmingham. Salinity Solutions Limitedis commercialising a high efficiency water purification system using patented Batch Reverse Osmosis technology, known as HyBatch. Systems using this technology are used to purify water, outputting two streams: pure water and concentrated brine.

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is a government-funded technology transfer initiative that supports partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates on challenging, high-profile projects. Further information is available at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ktp

Role Summary

The post holder will carry out research on and work with Salinity's customers to ensure there is a robust approach to and recording of: system design, testing, simulation, scale up, and membrane fouling analysis.

The KTP Associate will be required to set up new testing facilities at the expanding company facilities at Tyseley Energy Park, embedding a rigorous testing process for the scaling up and design for manufacture of new desalination systems to meet customer requirements. Through the partnership, the Associate will develop the ability to: (i) model and predict fluid flow and system performance for large-scale systems; (ii) assess how different types of fouling may affect the membranes and how to mitigate this risk. The Associate will also:

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Essential skills:

• Analysis and modellingof process technologies and/or systems.
• Ability to conduct experiments and document results clearly and accurately
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to design, modify and operate experimental and pilot equipment; to make and interpret observations reliably.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use effectively.
• Ability to identify and learn new techniques and software skills, through self-study, training and/or CPD.
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids.
• Operate within area of specialism.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.

Desirable skills:

• Use of specialist software such as CAD, CFD, data logging, and/or PLC programming
• Preparation of scientific articles for publication
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Develop clear technical objectives for research and development activities, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Collect, analyse and interpret data from experiments, simulations and trials
• Apply scientific and engineering knowledge to create new approaches, designs, or system improvements
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations to communicate findings to both academic and industry audiences
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to enterprise and business development including identifying opportunities for system improvement and supporting customer engagement
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of methods such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present technical outputs at meetings, technical workshops, and, where appropriate, research seminars or conferences
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Identify and propose solutions to problems or technical challenges that may arise during research and development.

Person Specification

Essential:

• First degree in area of specialism andnormally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Experience in process technology such as water treatment processes
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Desirable:

• PhD or equivalent industrial experience in relevant technology area e.g. water industry/water treatment/desalination.
• Use of specialist software such as CAD, CFD, LabVIEW and/or PLC programming.
• Track record in preparing and publishing articles for scientific publication.
• Experience of membrane technology (e.g. RO or nanofiltration) including testing, diagnosing, optimising of prototypes and introduction of innovative solutions.
• Experience in design for manufacture.
• Experience in modelling energy performance of systems.
• Experience in quality assurance and associated documentation.
• Experience in delivering training.

Informal enquiries to Soroosh Sharifi, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .