KTP Associate – Low Carbon Recycled Masonry Products (RIG2)

Job Details

• Employer: University of Plymouth
• Location: Newquay, Cornwall
• Salary: £30,000 - £32,000
• Closing date listed: 6 November 2026
• Project duration: 30 months
• Based mainly at RIG’s Plymouth and Newquay sites, with access to University facilities.
• Around 25% of your time will be spent in University of Plymouth laboratories.

About the Role

Develop a low-carbon masonry brick using recycled materials. You will be employed by the University of Plymouth and work with Recycle It Global Ltd (RIG) to turn laboratory research into a product that can be manufactured and sold.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) brings a university and a business together to apply research to a practical business project.

Main Responsibilities

• Assess recycled sands and filter-press cake, the solid material left after filtering.
• Develop and improve brick recipes using low-carbon and alternative binders.
• Plan experiments and test strength, durability, physical properties and material structure.
• Check performance against the relevant British Standards, including BS EN 771-1 and BS EN 772.
• Move laboratory findings into pilot trials and plant-scale production.
• Improve pressing, curing and production settings within the company’s operating limits.
• Write standard operating procedures and quality-control protocols.
• Introduce testing methods and workflows into the business.
• Work with academic supervisors, company supervisors and operational staff.
• Prepare reports, data summaries and evidence for project review meetings.
• Support customer engagement, market preparation and early commercial activity.
• Share research findings where appropriate.

Essential Requirements

• MSc or PhD in materials science, civil engineering, chemical engineering or a related subject.
• Strong knowledge of cement-based materials and construction products.
• Experience designing experiments, carrying out laboratory tests and analysing data.
• Ability to manage complex technical work.
• Good written and spoken communication.
• Ability to work in laboratory and industrial settings.
• A driving licence is required.

Read the official person specification for the full requirements.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with low-carbon or recycled construction materials.
• Knowledge of British Standards for masonry or concrete products.
• Pilot-scale or industrial process development.
• Quality-control systems or ISO-aligned processes.
• Previous research with industry or KTP experience.

Benefits and Support

• Day-to-day support from the company supervisor.
• Structured academic supervision.
• Access to University laboratories and expertise in sustainable construction materials and chemistry.

About the Employer

Recycle It Global Ltd is the business partner for this project. The work focuses on turning waste materials into a useful construction product and building formulation, testing and quality-control skills within the company.