KTP Associate Advanced Composite Materials Scientist

KTP Associate – Advanced Composite/Materials Scientist

This position will be based in AerMaven Ltd., Lincolnshire. The Faculty of Technology at the University of Portsmouth, in collaboration with AerMaven Ltd., are seeking an innovative and motivated individual to develop a system for recycling aircraft composite materials, including carbon fibre, minimising composite waste generation and fostering a circular economy for the aerospace industry.

The Company: AerMaven Ltd is a premier provider of aircraft component services and lifecycle management. Headquartered in the UK, we are trusted experts in the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 platforms, supporting global clients like easyJet and Jet2.com. We redefine the aviation aftermarket through technical innovation and financial transparency. Unlike traditional sellers, we prioritise asset utilisation and lead the industry in Beyond Economic Repair analysis, recovering high-value components that others scrap. From part exchanges to full airframe teardowns, our services cover the entire aircraft lifecycle. AerMaven remains focused on sustainability and efficiency, providing the technical expertise and "hard-to-find" solutions needed to keep global fleets flying.

The Project: This three-year KTP Associate role is a high-impact leadership position bridging the University of Portsmouth and AerMaven Ltd. Based in Lincolnshire, you will lead a transformative project to evolve aerospace composite waste management into a high-value circular economy. You will utilise advanced physio-thermochemical processes to transform difficult waste into high-performance, second-life materials. The core mission is to translate technical laboratory breakthroughs into a profitable, scalable, and sustainable business model through three key objectives:

• Develop protocols to recycle and reclaim advanced composites, including carbon fibre.
• Produce and validate novel recycled materials against rigorous industry benchmarks.
• Scale-up and integrate these proprietary methodologies into industrial operations.

Supported by a professional development budget and academic mentorship, you will manage timelines, engage stakeholders, and navigate complex manufacturing. In this role, you will help redefine the aerospace material lifecycle, proving that sustainability and profitability together drive the future of industry.

The Role: The Associate will drive the experimental development and commercial implementation of a robust circular economy framework. It is a hands-on, lab-intensive project requiring a blend of scientific rigor and industrial pragmatism. The work involves utilising physio-thermochemical processes to transform aerospace composite waste into high-performance, second-life materials, ensuring that technical breakthroughs are translated into a profitable, scalable, and sustainable business model for AerMaven Ltd.

Key Project Objectives:

• Develop and refine experimental protocols to recycle, reclaim/reuse advance composites including as carbon fibre while minimising structural degradation, ensuring they retain the mechanical properties.
• Produce novel recycled composites using reclaimed materials, utilising advanced analytical and manufacturing techniques to validate their performance against rigorous industry benchmarks.
• Successfully scale-up and embed proprietary recycling methodologies and material data into AerMaven’s core operational workflow, establishing a permanent, revenue-generating in-house recycling department.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) brings together universities and businesses to work together on a development project that is strategically important to the future of an organisation. KTP offers:

• Access to £2,000 personal training budget per year
• Complimentary 2 weeks residential training provided by KTP.
• Acceleration for your career
• The opportunity to lead and manage an innovative and strategic project
• The possibility of a permanent post with the company
• The support of an academic team from the University
• The opportunity to enhance training and learning

Initially the role will be primarily based on site / workshop based - this may change as the project progresses. The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on week commencing 30 March 2026. This appointment is a fixed-term contract for 36 months.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Dr. Muhammad Ali, at muhammad.ali@port.ac.uk or ktp@port.ac.uk

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement: We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.