This post is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiative funded by Innovate UK. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a UK-wide programme that has been helping businesses for the past 40 years to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base.
The role
The Associate will be responsible for the management and delivery of an Innovate UK awarded KTP between Warwick University and Coltraco Ltd., improving the company’s expertise in ultrasonic sensor design and manufacturing, including sourcing the correct materials, designing and manufacturing sensors with the appropriate matching layers, enclosures, electronics, and couplants for the intended functions. We do not expect the successful candidate to have any previous experience in ultrasonic transducer design or fabrication, but if they do this may be an advantage.
You will normally be based at Coltraco’s premises, and will be subject to their hours of work (40 hours per week) and holiday provisions (20 days per annum as well as statutory bank holidays).
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
About you
The Associate will develop expertise in the use of Coltraco’s analogue and digital products to a level where they can undertake technical demonstrations. They will also evaluate the properties of Coltraco’s ultrasonic transducers to identify areas for improvement, while quantitatively analysing the performance of the transducers, identifying failure rates, and producing technical descriptions of any performance issues.
The Associate will undertake background reading on the underlying science and engineering behind ultrasonic transducers and the interaction of ultrasound with relevant stimuli (i.e. the materials and objects tested with Coltraco’s products). Ultimately, the Associate will be expected to put their learned knowledge into practice by designing new ultrasonic transducers for Coltraco’s current and future products, with properties ideally suited to the relevant applications.
The Associate must work with their colleagues to develop suitable manufacturing methods so that their designs may be effectively realised in a scalable, repeatable fashion.
Reporting to the project supervisor at Coltraco Ltd. the Associate will work as part of a dynamic engineering team ensuring new knowledge gained is embedded within the company through clear designs and manufacturing methods for new ultrasonic transducers, training materials and the creation of documentation. Warwick will provide specialised technical support and supervision to the Associate to ensure Coltraco Ltd. is an industry leader driven by world class research. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
About the department
Coltraco Ultrasonics is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in ultrasonic and acoustic monitoring systems, established with a commitment to safety and operational efficiency operating across 25 different market sectors and 120+ countries. Coltraco has developed advanced, non-invasive technologies for sectors such as marine, defence, power generation, and fire safety. Their products, including the Portalevel® and Portascanner® range, enable precise monitoring of liquid levels and seal tightness. Known for their commitment to innovation, Coltraco collaborates closely with academic institutions through its research institute, the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention (DIRDI), and continually invests in R&D to provide accurate, reliable, and user-friendly solutions that enhance safety standards and regulatory compliance in critical environments worldwide.
The Centre for Industrial Ultrasonics (CIU) is based in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick, and was set up to help industrial organisations get access to specialised research expertise and equipment. The CIU consists of a large team that spans the Faculty of Science, led by five highly experienced academics who have run a number of very successful, large scale research projects and technology transfer programmes. The CIU work spans basic fundamental research through to highly applied technological developments, creating prototype instruments and sensors.
Department of Physics
The Department of Physics is a vibrant academic department with over 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students.
We are pleased to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality for all staff and students. We also hold an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award in support of our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The University supports flexible working and requests for part-time working or job-share will be considered where possible.
Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.
About the University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
