0220-26 - Low-Carbon and Advanced Building Materials Researcher - KTP Associate

School of Infrastructure & Built Env.

Location: Jesmonite Ltd, Challenge Court, Love Lane Industrial Estate, Bishop Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5DW

Salary: £39,000 to £40,000 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term (33 months)

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 15 March 2026

Interview Date: Monday 06 April 2026

Reference: 0220-26

Release Date: Tuesday 17 February 2026 This KTP aims to position Jesmonite as a market leader in sustainable composite materials. The project’s vision is to embed environmental responsibility at the core of Jesmonite’s product innovation, enabling the company to expand from the creative industries sectors they currently operate within, into the rapidly growing architectural and construction sectors.

Jesmonite generates income through the development/sale of advanced water-based composite materials that are lightweight, durable, and environmentally safer than conventional options like concrete or resin. Its products can be provided in an array of colours, textures and finishes for a wide variety of decorative purposes. Jesmonite manufactures decorative concrete and plaster facades as well as providing its materials for arts & crafts projects (home use) and creative industries i.e. film studio sets.

The key objectives are to:

• Reformulate Jesmonite’s materials using bio-based alternatives such as biochar to replace current material constituents,
• Thereby reduce the carbon footprint of its products,
• Develop in-house capabilities in life-cycle assessment, environmental product declarations, and sustainable manufacturing processes.

This KTP is a great opportunity for someone who wishes to plan and deliver business change. You will work with senior University academics on a commercial project which puts theory and modelling into practice.

Candidate Profile: Minimum MSc degree in Civil Engineering or Material Science applied to construction materials with minimum two years of industry experience. A PhD would be desirable.

Skills/experience required include:

Essential

• Good working knowledge of low-carbon functional construction materials, with a particular interest in sustainable innovation and improving environmental performance.
• Proven experience in the design, fabrication, and testing of construction materials, particularly cementitious systems.
• Demonstrated research capability, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or equivalent applied/industry research outputs.
• Sound understanding of industry operations and business structures, enabling effective transfer and integration of research knowledge into commercial practice.
• Good time management and adhering to deadlines.
• Ability to present results and findings in a clear and concise way to various audiences.
• Ability to work as part of the team and independently.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team
• Leadership and effective communication and organisation skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Ability to apply innovative approaches and pathways
• Ability to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £5,666 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: ?url=www.aston.ac.uk%2Fstaff-public%2Fhr%2FBenefits-and-Rewar.%26h&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.aston.ac.uk%2Fstaff-public%2Fhr%2FBenefits-and-Rewar.%26h&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.aston.ac.uk/­staff-public/hr/­Benefits-and-Rewar.&h p o i n t;.

Career prospects:

60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.

KTP’s are a proven springboard for Associates who wish to develop careers in consultancy, change management, operations or as University academics.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Jesmonite and Innovate UK .

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are collaborative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation by linking various businesses with the UK’s world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by skilled graduates.

It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: ?url=www.aston.ac.uk%2Fktp&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.aston.ac.uk%2Fktp&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Prof Mujib Rahman and Dr Daniel Nowakowski from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Jesmonite with further support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location: You will be based predominantly at Jesmonite in Shropshire, SY9 5DW. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Prof Mujib Rahman, e-mail: m.rahman19aston.ac.uk , or Dr Daniel Nowakowski, email: d.j.nowakowskiaston.ac.uk

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktp-uk.org%2Fjobs%2F&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktp-uk.org%2Fjobs%2F&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.ktp-­uk.org/jobs/

Further details:
Job Details University Information Email details to a friend The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: ?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.aston.ac.uk%2Fabout%2Finclusive-aston&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.aston.ac.uk%2Fabout%2Finclusive-aston&module=jobs&id=301662" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/­inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitmentaston.ac.uk

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