Are you passionate about low carbon materials, circular economy innovation and translating research into real world impact?
About the role:
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly capable graduate researcher to lead a major innovation project through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Recycle It Global Ltd (RIG) and the University of Plymouth.
The project aims to transform waste derived filter press cake and recycled sands into a fully certified, high performance, low carbon masonry brick, creating a new circular construction product and embedding advanced materials science capability within RIG.
You will play a pivotal role in developing formulations, validating performance against British Standards (BS EN 771 1 and 772), scaling laboratory outcomes into plant level production, and supporting commercial readiness.
This is a full time, fixed term role, working 37.5 hours per week for 30 months due to funding.
You will be based at the company partner in Newquay but will be expected to travel between sites.
Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.
A current full driving licence is essential as the role will require regular travel between University, company and stakeholder sites.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Boksun Kim: by email at boksun.kim@plymouth.ac.uk
We’re currently unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, we welcome applicants who already have the right to work in the UK, including those on visa routes we can accept (e.g. Graduate visas).
What we’re looking for:
We are looking for an ambitious and self motivated individual with strong technical expertise and a desire to see your work deliver tangible industrial and environmental impact.
You will have:
- A postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of cementitious materials, alternative binders or construction materials.
- Experience in laboratory experimentation, data analysis and material characterisation.
- The ability to work independently across industrial and academic environments.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
Why apply?
- Competitive salary with substantial personal development budget.
- Opportunity to lead a flagship circular economy innovation.
- Hands on experience spanning laboratory research, pilot trials and industrial scale-up.
- Close mentorship from academic and industry experts.
- Strong potential for long term career progression in sustainable construction and materials innovation.
Application Process:
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Closing date – Sunday 8th November 2026 at 12 o’clock midnight
£30,000 to £32,000 (plus £5000 personal development budget) per annum - KTP