Overview

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to reformulate Miles Macadam's specialist grouted macadams to improve their environmental sustainability whilst ensuring the fundamental performance characteristics are maintained or advantageously improved.

The main focus is to use replacement materials to improve performance and quality of grouts whilst reducing carbon emissions and which can give better supply security by cutting out imports of high emission products (e.g., PFA). The knowledge to be transferred includes the characterisation of biochar, the process and optimisation of biochar production to be used in cementitious materials, and the process of using biochar in grout applications.

This project propels the company's innovative plan to reduce the carbon impact of road surfacing which aligns with Miles Macadam's mission statement as a carbon neutral organisation committed to carbon reduction targets.

This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who seek to develop their career in the innovation area of sustainable materials.

Candidate Profile

Candidate Profile: PhD in Civil Engineering or Materials Science, specialising in construction materials. Alternatively, candidates with an MSc and one to two years of relevant research experience in pavement or construction materials are also eligible. Experience in laboratory testing and the implementation of field trials is desirable.

Skills / Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in testing asphalt and concrete material design, testing and evaluation.
• Familiarity with the structure and operation of businesses within the industry to effectively transfer and embed knowledge into the company.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the potential of replacing cement and PFA in grouts with sustainable materials, including biochar from diverse feedstocks and synthesis methods, and assess the performance of these novel formulations.
• Collaborate with the university and industry partners to design and develop innovative manufacturing processes for sustainable grout substitutes.
• Plan and execute experimental programmes, including laboratory testing and field trials.
• Engage with clients to understand their preferences and conduct real-world trials to evaluate the performance and acceptability of the sustainable grout products.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills, good communication skills
• The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team
• Leadership and maturity of communication and organisation skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways
• Ability to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company
• Full UK driving licence

Benefits

• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing: 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.

Company

The Company: Operating since 1970, Miles Macadam has gained an enviable reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of advanced Grouted Macadam systems. Engaged in the manufacture and supply of liquid asphalt grout and cementitious grout for the use in the supply and laying of grouted macadam road surfaces, as well as the provision of laying operations and associated civil engineering works. As a carbon neutral organisation, Miles Macadam aims to deliver reduced carbon, or carbon neutral surfacing schemes.

More about the company: https://www.milesmacadam.co.uk/

Location

Location: You will be based predominantly at Miles Macadam Limited in Hampton. And will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

Contact / Next Steps

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Professor Mujib Rahman, e-mail: m.rahman19@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/

Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.

EEO Statement

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.