Low-Carbon and Advanced Building Materials Researcher - KTP Associate
| Posting date: | 16 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,000 to £40,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 March 2026 |
| Location: | Shropshire, West Midlands |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Aston University |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 0220-26 |
Summary
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: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing
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: 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.rahman19@aston.ac.uk, or Dr Daniel Nowakowski, email: d.j.nowakowski@aston.ac.uk
If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/
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: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing
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: 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.rahman19@aston.ac.uk, or Dr Daniel Nowakowski, email: d.j.nowakowski@aston.ac.uk
If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/
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