Research, Development & Innovation Project Leader (KTP Associate)

University of Hull - Pumpflow Limited & University of Hull

Location: Kingston upon Hull

Salary: £35,608 per annum - £4,000 personal development and training budget

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 26th September 2025

Closes: 10th October 2025

Job Ref: JR100767

An innovative Opportunity in Sustainable Engineering

Join one of the UK's largest independent pump development & testing companies on an exciting 24-month project developing groundbreaking fish-friendly pump technology. Pumpflow Limited specialise in the design, building and testing of bespoke engineered pumps in a wide variety of sectors. This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Hull and Pumpflow offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial eco-engineering applications.

The role

You will lead innovative research combining biological and ecological sciences with engineering to revolutionize fish-friendly pump technology. Working with both academic experts from the University of Hull International Fisheries Institute and industry leading engineers from Pumpflow, you’ll work in a state-of-the-art test facility to develop a Next Generation Pump (NGP) that will protect and conserve critically endangered fish populations throughout our river ecosystems.

Key responsibilities

As the KTP Associate, you will aid in the design and development of the NGP by utilizing hydrological sensor technologies and high-speed video imaging to understand pump interactions. Your role will therefore involve managing complex data analysis processes and working with live animals using UK Home Office methodologies and industry regulatory standards to achieve the highest levels of scientific requirements. Throughout the project, you’ll work closely with Pumpflow’s engineering team by presenting research findings which translate into practical solutions.

Required skills:

• Upper second-class honours degree or above (masters/doctorate) in a relevant subject e.g., Engineering or Marine and Freshwater Biology or Zoology
• Strong data handling and analysis skills preferably experience with technical data (e.g., sensing)
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments with live animals (preferably fish, not essential)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of working in an industrial environment and solving problems within an engineering context or direct experience of working within an RD&I environment.
• Experience in project management
• Data analysis in R or Python
• UK driving licence
• Videography and photography

What we offer

The KTP is part of a national, Government-supported initiative, which provides graduates with fast-track career opportunities through work on challenging technical & IT projects. For the right candidate there are excellent prospects for obtaining permanent employment with Pumpflow at the end of the KTP project.

Based at Pumpflow’s Manchester facility, with regular interaction with the University of Hull team, the KTP project will be fully championed by industry and academic experts. You will be supported to continue your personal and professional development throughout the project, acquiring new transferable skills that will enhance your employability.

Salary: £35,608 per annum

£4,000 personal development and training budget

How to apply

Candidates are requested to upload a CV and covering letter.

To discuss this role informally, please contact: Dr Richard Noble r.a.noble@hull.ac.uk

For information about the Hull International Fisheries Institute visit: www.hull.ac.uk/work-with-us/research/groups/hull-international-fisheries-institute

For more information about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, visit: www.ktp-uk.org