Job Description and Person Specification

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION
1.
JOB INFORMATION
Post Title:
Salary Range:
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Location:
KTP Associate (Project Officer) Stevenage Circuits Ltd
£24,000- £30,400 per annum
Full-time (2 year fixed term)
REQ002668
Stevenage Circuits Ltd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
2. JOB DESCRIPTION
2.1. Purpose:
This exciting and innovative project aims to develop a novel and disruptive method for the
manufacture of the next generation of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The KTP Associate will
be based at Stevenage Circuits Ltd manufacturing site in Hertfordshire and to achieve the
project objectives an intensive and challenging programme of research has been developed
in collaboration with academic experts at Coventry University.
The project requires the development of surface modification techniques, materials adhesion
and electroplating processes which will be integrated into a novel manufacturing process to
give Stevenage Circuits an advanced, new and versatile capability for PCB fabrication. The
highly innovative aspects of the project, together with the opportunity to work under joint
commercial and academic supervision are an invaluable combination for someone who wants
to become a future leader in high value manufacturing.
Applicants should have, as a minimum, a 2.1 at Bachelor's Degree level in a relevant science
subject, preferably chemistry or materials science. However above all we are looking for
someone who can take the initiative, is willing to learn new techniques and is flexible and
adaptable. The candidates must have excellent verbal communication skills and be
enthusiastic and highly motivated with the self-confidence and initiative to work with minimal
supervision in a high pressure production environment. The successful candidate will take
ownership of the project and must therefore be extremely well organised and it is essential
that they have (or are prepared to develop) strong project management skills.
The package will offer, in addition to a competitive salary, excellent opportunities and a £4000
budget to further your professional development, develop new skills and support your career
progression. This can also be used towards the cost of a post-graduate degree. There will
also be the opportunity to travel globally. The post is partly funded through the Knowledge
Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme led by the Technology Strategy Board.
Role:
Employed by Coventry University you will be based full time at Stevenage Circuits Ltd in
Stevenage. You will work closely with researchers from the Functional Materials Applied
Research Group at Coventry University and with Stevenage Circuits Ltd senior management
and production teams. The role offers a chance to gain experience working in a dynamic
international business. The role will require some travel between Stevenage and Coventry
with further opportunity for international travel.
Additional benefits:
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Personal training and development budget.
Mentoring from the University and company.
Possibilities for national and international travel.
2.2. Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The post holder will develop a new and innovative method for the manufacture of the next
generation of printed circuit boards. To enable these, 3 key enabling technologies must be
developed

The ability to electroplate with improved planarity

An anti-oxidative coating for effective metal-metal bonding

A method of ‘switchable’ adhesion for the carrier material
In addition the KTP associate will have responsibility to;

Ensure that the project delivers its aims and objectives within the timescales of the
project plan. The associate will work under the supervision and guidance of
Stevenage Circuits staff and the Academic supervisor, but will be expected to take full
responsibility for the day to day running of the project.

Carry out a full literature and patent review into the various technologies required to
enable this new PCB manufacturing process

Develop, optimise and install technologies to enable planar electroplating

Identify suitable carrier materials and develop a method of ‘switchable adhesion’

Develop an anti-oxidative coating to allow enhanced metal-metal bonding

Bring all process stages together to validate the new PCB manufacturing method in a
semi-production mode

Present written and oral reports of activities as required periodically by the KTP
programme.

Ensure that the specifications and working procedures for the developed new PCB
manufacturing method are fully documented and help/assist in the training of
production, maintenance and laboratory staff in the operation of the technique.

Assist the manufacturing team and QA in setting up procedures and specifications for
the new manufacturing process.

Contribute to the dissemination of project results via the production of paper sand
presentations at international conferences.

Capture research programme, results, and techniques in a final report.
Specific to knowledge transfer
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Have excellent verbal communication skills
Undertake duties in line with the successful delivery of the Knowledge Transfer
Partnership Project agreed between Stevenage and Coventry University.
Present written reports of activities as required by the KTP programme.
Foster good relations between Coventry University and partner organisations in order
to achieve effective Knowledge Transfer.
Assist in the strategic development of Stevenage Circuits.
Work in conjunction with the stated aims of Stevenage Circuits and its partner
organisations
General
 Enthusiastic and self-motivated
 Self-confident, able to work with minimal supervision
 Willing to learn new skills and techniques
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Well organised, maintain a concise and accurate record of activities both written and
verbally
Manage and deliver the project to the agreed timescales.
Contribute to your own professional development activities.
Maintain and support a team culture.
Establish a professional relationship with colleagues.
AND such other duties as are within the scope of the spirit of the job purpose, the title of the
post and its grading.
2.3. Supervision Received
Phil Firth (Stevenage Circuits), Narinder Bains (Coventry University), Tim Gee (Stevenage
Circuits), Dr A Cobley (Coventry University)
2.4. Supervision Given
Not applicable
2.5. Contacts
Functional Materials ARG staff. Stevenage Circuits manufacturing and production team,
laboratory staff, QA personnel and senior management.
3.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ATTRIBUTES
Education/
Qualifications
Experience
(Paid and Unpaid)
ESSENTIAL
Upper second class (2:1) or
above first degree in
Chemistry, Material Science
or related Science
Post Graduate qualification.
Working with chemicals
Electrochemistry or practical
experience of electroplating
Must be aware of health and
safety requirements for
working with chemicals and
metals
Evidence of report writing,
publications and
presentations
Job related skills/
Aptitudes
ADVANTAGEOUS
Excellent Verbal
Communicator
Initiative taker
Willingness to learn new
techniques
Laboratory skills
Ability to work under
pressure to demanding and
tight deadlines
A positive and responsible
health and safety attitude
Ability to identify and resolve
problems that occur during
the research programme
Ability to produce concise
and focussed presentations
and reports
Good computer, IT skills
Member of Professional
association
Methods of preparing
stainless steel for
electroplating
Project management
Scientific Research
experience
Ability to identify critical tasks
and plan ahead
Knowledge of project
management systems
Organisation of meetings
Interpersonal Skills
An outgoing and enthusiastic
personality
Proactive and approachable
attitude
Highly motivated
Experience of working within
a multicultural environment
Self-confident
Able to work with minimal
supervision
Able to reflect and respond to
constructive advice.
Excellent interpersonal and
verbal communication skills.
Able to explain results to a
whole range of technical and
non-technical personnel
Capable of working
independently and as a team
member in a potentially
pressured environment
Ability to interact
professionally with
Stevenage Circuits customer
base and wider research
community
Other Requirements
Preparedness to travel
A valid passport and eligible
to travel global
Full UK/EU driving licence

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