Debondable Adhesives Associate

About the role This is a significant opportunity to help a Leicester, UK-based manufacturer and a research-driven developer of advanced adhesive solutions to innovate in the emerging field of Debondable Adhesives. During this unique, 24-month project funded by Innovate UK, you will develop and commercialise reversible adhesive products enabling easier disassembly and recycling of electronic devices, solar cells, and lithium-ion batteries electronic, battery and renewable products. The Debondable Adhesives will facilitate recovery of vital materials, such as, tungsten, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The successful candidate will help to facilitate change in the circular economy, delivering a sustainable product that will greatly enhance the levels of materials recovered from used electronics, vehicles, and renewable energy components. You will be part of Structural Adhesives Ltd’s research and development team, embedding new knowledge into the company that will increase competitiveness and profitability. Experienced University of Leicester academics will support you along the way to making lasting and impactful change. The successful applicant will be employed by the University of Leicester, but working on site at Structural Adhesives Ltd’s premises in Leicester. The role is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and the successful applicant will be the associate delivering on a pre-agreed plan of work to develop Debondable Adhesives. About the Company partner: Structural Adhesives Ltd Structural Adhesives Ltd is a Leicester based manufacturer and a research-driven developer of advanced adhesive solutions: epoxy adhesives, acrylic adhesives, and hybrid polymer adhesives. The family-owned enterprise has been developing adhesive technology for three decades. They service the needs of both UK, European and Non-EU markets. About you You will have the following knowledge, skills and experience: PhD/MSc/MEng/MChem or equivalent in chemistry, chemical engineering or material sciences Ability to deliver academic research Evidence of proven analytical problem-solving capability Expertise in materials chemistry, including synthesis and characterisation of polymer materials, and knowledge of inorganic and organic chemical additives.  You will have the following abilities and competencies: Problem solving Acquiring and analysing high quality test data  Effective communication and collaboration skills, serving as a liaison between the business and academic partners, and discussing developments and results confidentially and effectively with external stakeholders Team worker, liaising between the business and knowledge partners  Collaborate with producers and recyclers in a confidential manner Present technical results from the project with potential new customers Professional discretion and ability to handle confidential information