Job description

JOB PURPOSE:
To develop proprietary low embodied carbon, low energy cement free concrete from recycled waste materials for use in precast construction products through a novel combination of chemical and microbiological processes.

Project description

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme, Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with ReCon Waste Management, have an exciting employment opportunity for a graduate to work on a project to develop low-carbon concrete from recycled waste materials for use in precast construction products through a novel combination of chemical and microbiological processes.
ReCon is one of the most progressive waste recycling companies in Northern Ireland, treating ‘difficult-to-process’ waste materials, such as construction & demolition wastes, road sweeper waste, and ashes and sludges from various Municipal treatment processes.. The company’s goal is to achieve a 100% recycling rate with 100% diversion from landfill and to unlock the ‘uncaptured value’ within the waste streams. ReCon is committed to continuously reduce the environmental impact of its operations and products through the adoption of sustainable practices and circular economy principles. The company is focused on turning its incoming waste steams into low carbon cement-free sustainable precast concrete products.
This is an excellent employment opportunity for a motivated graduate to work in ReCon Waste Management (outside Portadown, County Armagh) on a 24-month collaborative project with the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s.
The KTP Associate will lead on the delivery of the following key project stages under the guidance of company and academic supervisors:
1. Market analysis, materials analysis and competitor review.
2. Development and testing of mix matrices.
3. Development of a multi-constraint analysis / options appraisal tool to optimise design for recycled products.
4. Scale-up of production including materials management plan development and end of waste criteria.
5. Review outcomes, process validation, development of long-term strategy, dissemination of the project.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
1. Hold, or be about to obtain in July 2022, at least a 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Environmental, Chemistry, Chemical or Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline. Applicants must clearly state their qualifications and degree classification/predicted classification in their application.
2. Completion of a relevant project or student placement. Applicants should indicate how their experience could be applied to this post.
3. At least 3 months’ relevant work experience (which can include a student placement).
4. Demonstrable experience in mechanical performance of materials.*
5. Demonstrable experience in materials / laboratory testing.*
6. Understanding of materials technology.*
7. Understanding of sustainability.*
8. Ability to think logically, create solutions and make informed decisions.
9. A high level of numeracy and the ability to interpret data.
10. Good oral, written and presentation skills.
11. High level of IT skills.
12. Self-motivated, capable of working independently, with a drive and ambition to succeed.
13. Ability to work effectively as a member of a group.
14. Enthusiasm for project area.
15. Well organised, attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
16. An interest in staying with the Company. (Associates are normally invited to apply for permanent positions).
17. Ability to take part in Associate management courses (requiring two one-week periods in England).
18. Willing/able to travel throughout the UK and Ireland and abroad, as necessary.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
1. Hold, or be about to obtain, a higher degree in a relevant subject area.
2. At least 6 months relevant work experience.
3. Completion of a relevant placement in industry.
4. Practical laboratory experience in materials design.
5. Experience in experimental design using principles such as Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing & Design.
6. Experience in marketing new products.
7. Completion of an undergraduate/post graduate project in a relevant area.
8. Understanding of the circular economy.*
9. Understanding of sustainability in design.*
10. Understanding of Life Cycle Analysis in product development and carbon accounting.*
11. Ability to deliver training and follow-up support to operatives.
12. Ability to influence people effectively.
13. Tenacious and committed to achieving goals.
*may be demonstrated through the completion of a module, student project or placement.

Salary scale: £25,000 – £34,000 per annum. One of the key KTP benefits for graduates is access to a £6,440 training and travel budget over the 24-month project

Please note the start date for this salary is flexible.

About the business

ReCon is one of the most progressive waste recycling companies in Northern Ireland, treating ‘difficult-to-process' waste materials, such as construction & demolition wastes, road sweeper waste, and ashes and sludges from various Municipal treatment processes.. The company’s goal is to achieve a 100% recycling rate with 100% diversion from landfill and to unlock the 'uncaptured value' within the waste streams. ReCon is committed to continuously reduce the environmental impact of its operations and products through the adoption of sustainable practices and circular economy principles. The company is focused on turning its incoming waste steams into low carbon cement-free sustainable precast concrete products.

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