Commercial Education and Training KTP Associate
| Posting date: | 21 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,951 per year, pro rata |
| Additional salary information: | The starting salary will be from £33,951 to £35,608 on Grade E, or from £43,482 on Grade F depending on qualifications and experience. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 February 2026 |
| Location: | Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | University of Exeter |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | Q12999 |
Summary
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
This new full-time post funded by Innovate UK is available on a two year fixed-term basis. In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.
This role is available at Grade E or F. Applicants are encouraged to review both Job Descriptions to understand the distinctions in scope and criteria for each level.
Summary of the role
An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Smiths Detection. Drawing on state-of-the-art educational research, the KTP will develop and deliver high quality, best-in-class training models for a global customer base in safety critical environments.
The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at Smiths Detection’s premises in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Company Information:
Smiths Detection are a major global supplier of threat detection and screening technologies (e.g. X-ray scanners and chemical/biological agent detectors in the aviation, ports and borders sectors). Alongside the design and manufacture of cutting-edge threat detection system Smiths Detection is large global training provider offering training on the operation and maintenance of its products to both its internal staff and customers globally. Through this KTP the company aims to embed specialised, high-quality training as a core commercial offering, giving it a distinct competitive advantage in a highly regulated, often uniform industry.
More information about Smiths Detection can be found at: https://www.smithsdetection.com/.
The Person:
We are seeking a highly driven individual to strengthen the quality and impact of training across Smiths Detection.
The successful candidate will be either an experienced researcher with a strong theoretical foundation and the ability to design and implement effective interventions, or a professional with demonstrable experience in education and training gained across multiple industries or within a global environment. You will play a key role in driving innovation and continuous improvement in Smiths Detection’s training approach.
Qualification / skills we require:
A Masters or Doctorate (PhD/EdD) in Education or a related field (e.g. Professional Development in Teacher Education and Adult Learning).
Strong knowledge of UK quality assurance, especially OFSTED's Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
Experience with Further Education (FE) colleges, vocational providers and/or apprenticeships.
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of people.
Experience and expertise in instructional design, delivery and evaluation.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to apply Quality Assurance policies and procedures across varied settings.
Detail-oriented, organised, and committed to excellence.
Culturally aware and adaptable, with a proactive and collaborative mindset.
Capacity to become a strong project manager, taking on the leadership of a strategic innovation project.
Benefits:
A £4,000 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 opportunity to write academic papers and present at conferences.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Rob Freathy – R.J.K.Freathy@exeter.ac.uk, University of Exeter or Josh Perkins – Joshua.perkins@smithsdetection.com, Senior Training Manager at Smiths Detection.
This new full-time post funded by Innovate UK is available on a two year fixed-term basis. In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.
This role is available at Grade E or F. Applicants are encouraged to review both Job Descriptions to understand the distinctions in scope and criteria for each level.
Summary of the role
An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Smiths Detection. Drawing on state-of-the-art educational research, the KTP will develop and deliver high quality, best-in-class training models for a global customer base in safety critical environments.
The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at Smiths Detection’s premises in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Company Information:
Smiths Detection are a major global supplier of threat detection and screening technologies (e.g. X-ray scanners and chemical/biological agent detectors in the aviation, ports and borders sectors). Alongside the design and manufacture of cutting-edge threat detection system Smiths Detection is large global training provider offering training on the operation and maintenance of its products to both its internal staff and customers globally. Through this KTP the company aims to embed specialised, high-quality training as a core commercial offering, giving it a distinct competitive advantage in a highly regulated, often uniform industry.
More information about Smiths Detection can be found at: https://www.smithsdetection.com/.
The Person:
We are seeking a highly driven individual to strengthen the quality and impact of training across Smiths Detection.
The successful candidate will be either an experienced researcher with a strong theoretical foundation and the ability to design and implement effective interventions, or a professional with demonstrable experience in education and training gained across multiple industries or within a global environment. You will play a key role in driving innovation and continuous improvement in Smiths Detection’s training approach.
Qualification / skills we require:
A Masters or Doctorate (PhD/EdD) in Education or a related field (e.g. Professional Development in Teacher Education and Adult Learning).
Strong knowledge of UK quality assurance, especially OFSTED's Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
Experience with Further Education (FE) colleges, vocational providers and/or apprenticeships.
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of people.
Experience and expertise in instructional design, delivery and evaluation.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to apply Quality Assurance policies and procedures across varied settings.
Detail-oriented, organised, and committed to excellence.
Culturally aware and adaptable, with a proactive and collaborative mindset.
Capacity to become a strong project manager, taking on the leadership of a strategic innovation project.
Benefits:
A £4,000 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 opportunity to write academic papers and present at conferences.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Rob Freathy – R.J.K.Freathy@exeter.ac.uk, University of Exeter or Josh Perkins – Joshua.perkins@smithsdetection.com, Senior Training Manager at Smiths Detection.
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