KTP Associate
| Posting date: | 03 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,482 to £38,784.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 March 2026 |
| Location: | Exeter, Devon |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | University of Exeter |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | Q21919 |
Summary
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
This new full-time post is available from June 2026 on a fixed-term basis until November 2028
The role:
An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and HydroStar Europe Ltd. The KTP will develop AI-driven control, optimisation, and forecasting tools that enable Hydrostar’s electrolysis systems to operate efficiently, safely, and economically under variable and unpredictable renewable energy inputs (solar, wind, hybrid systems).
The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at HydroStar’s operational site in Exeter.
Company Information:
Hydrostar is an Exeter-based company developing advanced electrolysis technologies to enable practical, low-carbon hydrogen production. Our systems are modular, scalable, and engineered for real-world conditions, supporting applications from on-site industrial hydrogen generation to distributed energy systems. By combining electrochemical innovation with intelligent system design, Hydrostar aims to reduce the cost and complexity of green hydrogen and accelerate the transition to a net-zero energy system.
Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources, is increasingly recognised as a foundational element of future low-carbon energy systems. In recent years, the sector has undergone accelerated expansion, reflecting growing political, industrial, and financial commitment. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide during production, offering a clean and sustainable energy vector for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as heavy industry, shipping, and long-haul transport.
More information about Hydrostar Europe Ltd. can be found at: https://www.hydrostar-eu.com/.
Qualification / skills we require:
A good degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a closely related field
Proficiency in coding with Python, MATLAB and data analysis techniques.
Strong understanding and hands-on experience with the design, implementation and operation of control systems
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of machine learning/optimisation and renewable energy systems
Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of people
Capacity to become a strong project manager, taking on the leadership of a strategic innovation project.
Benefits:
A £5,000 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 possibility to write academic papers and present at conferences.
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Ed Keedwell - e.c.keedwell@exeter.ac.uk, University of Exeter or Charlie Newbold - newboldcharles@hydrostar-uk.com at HydroStar.
This new full-time post is available from June 2026 on a fixed-term basis until November 2028
The role:
An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and HydroStar Europe Ltd. The KTP will develop AI-driven control, optimisation, and forecasting tools that enable Hydrostar’s electrolysis systems to operate efficiently, safely, and economically under variable and unpredictable renewable energy inputs (solar, wind, hybrid systems).
The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will spend the majority of their time working at HydroStar’s operational site in Exeter.
Company Information:
Hydrostar is an Exeter-based company developing advanced electrolysis technologies to enable practical, low-carbon hydrogen production. Our systems are modular, scalable, and engineered for real-world conditions, supporting applications from on-site industrial hydrogen generation to distributed energy systems. By combining electrochemical innovation with intelligent system design, Hydrostar aims to reduce the cost and complexity of green hydrogen and accelerate the transition to a net-zero energy system.
Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources, is increasingly recognised as a foundational element of future low-carbon energy systems. In recent years, the sector has undergone accelerated expansion, reflecting growing political, industrial, and financial commitment. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide during production, offering a clean and sustainable energy vector for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as heavy industry, shipping, and long-haul transport.
More information about Hydrostar Europe Ltd. can be found at: https://www.hydrostar-eu.com/.
Qualification / skills we require:
A good degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a closely related field
Proficiency in coding with Python, MATLAB and data analysis techniques.
Strong understanding and hands-on experience with the design, implementation and operation of control systems
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of machine learning/optimisation and renewable energy systems
Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) with ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a range of people
Capacity to become a strong project manager, taking on the leadership of a strategic innovation project.
Benefits:
A £5,000 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 possibility to write academic papers and present at conferences.
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Prof Ed Keedwell - e.c.keedwell@exeter.ac.uk, University of Exeter or Charlie Newbold - newboldcharles@hydrostar-uk.com at HydroStar.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.