Polymer Research Technologist
Shrewsbury, UK

Job Information
Salary: 22000 - 24000 pa
Position Type: Permanent
Ref:

Job Description
Polymer Research Technologist
Responsible for managing and delivering the technical objectives for a range of long-term industrial plastics and rubber research projects. Highly developed and proven organisation skills, project management, planning , scheduleing and production of experimental processing trails in extrusion, injection moulding and compounding. Produces reports, interprets and disseminates data through industrial collaborators, presentations, conferences and research symposia. Degree level or equivalent in polymer science/engineering. Proven track record in developing research activities through EC, SMART, CRAFT, DTI and others a distinct advantage.

Job Purpose

To be responsible for delivering the technical objectives and work package management of a range of large long-term industrial research projects.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: -

1. Take responsibility for the management and delivery of technical work packages within a range of longer term multiclient projects.

2. Work with project leaders in defining the experimental content and direction of projects. Contribute ideas on programme content based on state of the art review and experimental results.

3. Liaise with industrial collaborators to develop and translate their requirements into the technical programme.

4. Progress the practical and experimental objectives of the research programme. This will involve a hands-on practical approach as well as providing guidance to junior staff where appropriate.

5. Collate, analyse, interpret and report experimental results.

6. Disseminate the content of the work programme through reports, presentations, conferences and research symposia.

7. Work with Business Manager/Project Development Group to identify and develop spin-off and complementary research activities within the field, with the aim of generating further sustaining opportunities.

8. Any other duties that may from time to time be required by management after discussion.

Health & Safety

· Ensure that effective health & safety arrangements are undertaken in accordance with the Company’s Health & Safety Policies and risk assessments
· To be responsible for overseeing the reporting of incidents/near misses and for participating in investigation of all accidents and conduction of assessments and inspections, in conjunction with the Heath & Safety Advisor.
· Ensure that all new employees are given training in health & safety matters appropriate to their duties within the Large Projects Delivery Group including accident reporting, emergency procedures, fire precautions, and code of safe conduct and location of first aid boxes.
· Ensures that health & safety training needs are regularly reviewed with all staff and that adequate training, instruction and supervision is given to all staff within the Large Projects Delivery Group.
· Ensures the maintenance of good housekeeping standards and reviews the safe operation of all work equipment
· Regularly inspects the workplace within the Large Projects Delivery Group to assess suitability of equipment provided for the health and safety of employees, check work methods and practices to ensure safe systems of work and inspect arrangements for the use, handling, storing and transport of articles and substances as required.
· Reviews safety walk round audit findings for their area and takes action to address findings to minimise risk
· Ensures that adequate risk assessment is undertaken for all projects carried out in their area.
Quality

· Is responsible for ensuring that all activities within the Large Projects Delivery Group are carried out to the requirements of the corporate and appropriate divisional quality manuals.
· Is responsible for ensuring that all activities within the Large Projects Delivery Group are carried out to the requirements of the corporate and appropriate divisional quality manuals.
· Is responsible for participating and co-operating with internal and external quality audits and ensuring that non-conformities are rectified within timeframes agreed during the audits.
· Is responsible, in collaboration with the Quality Manager or UKAS Quality Co-coordinator, for ensuring that the divisional quality manual reflects the practice of the area and conforms with the quality standards identified as being applicable to the group/area.
· Is responsible for reporting on quality performance of the group/area. This should include comment on any specified items.


EXAMPLES OF CURRENT PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS/ACTIVITIES: -

· Contribute to technical delivery of work packages within the Protec project (GBP 300K over 3 years)
· Contribute to technical delivery within other project areas: Extru CO2, Polycond etc.
· Liaise with industrial partners, SME’s, RTO’s etc.


EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED BY THE JOB HOLDER: -

§ HND/degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering.
§ Knowledge of polymer science and processing technology at both a theoretical and practical level.
§ Good organisational and project management skills. Ability to work unsupervised on own initiative.
§ Ability to work within a team environment
§ Good degree of commercial awareness.
§ Ca. 3 year’s Industrial experience gained in the field of product development
§ Knowledge of polymer science and processing technology at both a theoretical and practical level.

FREQUENT CONTACTS: -

Internal
Business Manager
Project Development Manager
Processing Group Personnel
Technical staff, Material and Chemical Analysis Groups

External
Industrial Collaborators
Potential Clients
Academic and other RTO contacts
Government EU representatives

RESOURCES CONTROLLED: -

To be determined

How to apply for this job:
Email your CV to: dlewis@rapra.net

Contact Name: Diane Leiws
Company/Organization: Rapra Technology Ltd
Telephone: 0870 1677700
Ad Ref: 19633