Job Number
BU03872
School/Department
BioComposites
Grade
Other
Contract Duration
24 months
Responsible to
Research Fellow
Overview
About Platts Agriculture
Platts Agriculture is a market-leading family run business which has been operating for over 50 years. Working closely with other businesses in the group (Platts Transport and Platts Commercial Services) we manufacture premium animal bedding and cubical conditioner. We are a values-led organisation, known for our product quality and excellent customer service.
About the BioComposites Centre
The BioComposites Centre (BC) at Bangor University is an industry focused Research Centre and has been at the forefront of research, development and the commercial application of bio-based materials, including pulp and paper, since 1989. The centre has dedicated academics and research staff with a wealth of knowledge and experience in characterisation of biobased raw materials and their use in product development.
The Project
This two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Platts Agriculture and Bangor University’s BioComposites Centre will provide the expertise needed to develop in-house material characterisation, establish product testing standards, and create an internal R, D&I pathway – all of which are critical for business growth.
The key objectives of the project are to:
1. Develop a scientifically validated testing protocol for biobased raw materials and final products, ensuring consistent product quality and compliance.
2. Position Platts as industry leader in product quality and responsible manufacturing, including gaining certifications.
3. Establish a structured R&D pathway for new product development, enhancing Platts’ ability to innovate and expand its product portfolio.
This project is highly innovative, as it will be the first in the sector to introduce a science-backed quality assurance framework. By embedding bio-based materials science and testing expertise, Platts will transition from relying on external contractors to an internally driven innovation model, reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and securing a competitive advantage in the market.
Purpose of the Job
The successful candidate will be based at the Platts offices in Wrexham with co-supervision from Bangor.
As the person driving the KTP, the Product Scientist will be integrated into Platts Agriculture’s Product Team and will lead the project with assistance and oversight from supervisors at both Platts and the BioComposite Centre. As the primary researcher on the project, the candidate will be a self-starter, able to work independently and with academic rigour, while also being able to build relationships and work effectively as part of a team. The candidate will therefore need excellent analytical skills, attention to detail and communication skills. These skills are necessary to deliver organisational change, through innovation, in an efficient business and production environment. The role will require the Product Scientist to work extremely closely with customers, suppliers, and Platts operational and management teams for design and embed solutions to complex problems that drive commercial performance.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface between academic research and industrial innovation, informing the development of market-leading, sustainability-led bedding products whilst becoming an expert biobased product characterisation and development.
Resources and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive input and support from a multi-disciplinary academic team at Bangor University with specialist knowledge and experience relevant to the project. This includes access to a wide range of equipment for characterisation and testing of materials.
The successful candidate will be supervised by staff at Platts Agriculture and Bangor University. This team will provide a project oversight and governance structure to ensure that all project developments and innovations are fully embedded in Platts.
A generous training budget (£4k) will be provided that is tailored to the successful candidate’s professional development needs, along with two management training courses.
The successful candite will also have access to a travel and subsistence budget to support project and development activities. As a company Platts are looking to strengthen both their internal R,D&I capacity and their links with academia, therefore subject to successful project outcomes there is potential for this role to be made permanent at the end of the project.
There is also the opportunity for performance related bonuses tied to commercial and technical project deliverables.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Driving innovation
4. Develop bespoke protocols for testing product material composition (primarily chemical) which meets regulatory compliance and can be embedded in manufacturing workflows, including developing an in-house analysis facility.
5. Investigate and make recommendations for appropriate organisational accreditations (Red Tractor and similar) to support commercial growth through product quality assurance and enhancement.
6. Contribute to the application for any agreed accreditations.
7. Lead on all environmental impact testing.
8. Develop and implement an industry leading inhouse testing protocol for existing and potential raw materials (recycled wood products) and final products.
9. Establish a structured R&D pathway for new product development.
10. Engage with colleagues in Platts to embed academic knowledge into day-to-day manufacturing operations.
11. Maintain progress reports and adapt action plans as needed.
12. Lead the project, attend project meetings, monitor milestones and produce technical documents as required. With the aim of creating a pathway, systems, and processes for enhancing Platts products (quality, and range) within and beyond the project period.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
13. The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
14. The post holder will be expected to comply with all relevant Platts policies and Bangor University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
15. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
16. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential
17. Postgraduate degree in Materials Science or a closely related field.
Desirable
18. Professional qualification/accreditation and/or experience in materials science or wood products and processes.
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
19. Experience of characterisation or testing of materials.
20. Experience working in a materials laboratory and/or commercial R&D environment.
21. Experience of working with data, Excel and large spreadsheets.
22. Experience of the preparation of reports to a high level.
23. Experience in materials characterisation, environmental science, or quality assurance.
Desirable
24. Experience and understanding of the agricultural industry.
25. Experience of working with wood and natural fibre materials.
26. Experience of working in a manufacturing environment, preferably in product development.
27. Experience of project management.
28. Familiarity with materials regulatory frameworks and environmental impact assessments.
29. Experience in data analysis and statistical interpretation to support product testing and development.
30. Experience in manufacturing operations and development.
Skills/Abilities
Essential
31. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop testing methodologies.
32. Agile and flexible approach, with the ability to adapt to a dynamic manufacturing environment.
33. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, enabling collaboration across technical and regulatory audiences.
34. Highly numerate and with excellent analytical skills.
35. Excellent team-working skills and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of people.
36. Ability to quickly identify new sources of knowledge, understand it and adapt to it.
37. Ability to link academic insights with practical proposals for change.
38. Results oriented.
39. At home with a variety of people: production operatives, company management and academic researchers: ability to form constructive relationships in different cultures.
40. Ability to communicate precisely and engagingly to different audiences both in writing and verbally.
41. Ability to work within a diverse development team comprising of academics and industrial partners.
42. No specific Welsh language requirement. Candidates will be expected to work positively in a bilingual environment.
Desirable
43. Self-motivated with strong organisational skills and a methodical approach to prioritising and organising work, ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines.
General
The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.
We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.
All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.