Design Engineer, Medical Devices - KTP Associate

Engineering & Technology

BG Research (BGR) is an established innovative Biotechnology company with a mission to provide pioneering molecular and engineering technologies to improve access to diagnostic testing and benefit global health outcomes – but most importantly save lives. https://www.bgresearchltd.com/bgresearch.html 

BGR’s novel CENOS medical device enables the rapid, mobile detection of a range of significant animal and human diseases. This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to advance CENOS to the required Manufacturing Readiness Level to enable scaled production.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to develop a medical device for manufacture and be part of a collaborative team between BGR and Aston to develop the knowledge that will underpin the company's future product development processes. 

Candidate Profile: Minimum BEng (Preferred MEng/MSc) in Engineering, Industrial Design, Design for Manufacturing or related discipline at Merit or above evidencing ability in manufacturing processes, fabrication and assembly or performance design.

Skills/ experience required include:

Essential

• Knowledge of current manufacturing and assembly processes
• Previous work with design software, 3D modelling, parametric design
• Good experimental skills and the ability to balance the need of technical and commercial interests of the project
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Highly self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as part of the team
• Ability to take the initiative and have a strong desire to pursue innovative design solutions to fruition

Desirable

• High level of design and development acumen to manage the complex integration of electronics, optical and mechanical components
• Knowledge of AI/machine learning approaches or the desire to upskill in this area.

Main responsibilities: 

• Design, build and commission of a complete instrument considering the associated data control systems
• Produce a production scalable instrument viable for cost-constrained markets
• Map the Manufacturing Readiness Levels of product
• Final specification/list of technology/equipment capable of delivering all production phases for production of the device in collaboration with relevant suppliers and sub-contractors.
• Take ownership of all aspects of the project including liaising with engineers, potential customers and equipment providers. 
• Manage production cost parameters, budget management and embedding of new skills into the company team.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team
• Leadership and maturity of communication and organisation skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives 
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways.
• Ability to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company.

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £3,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing

Career prospects: 

The role offers excellent prospects for career development within the BGR team with opportunities after the completion of the KTP. 

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by BG Research and Innovate UK. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are collaborative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation by linking various businesses with the UK's world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by skilled graduates. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The KTP will predominantly be based BGR. You will work in a project team with members from Aston University: Dr Patrick Geoghegan, Dr Antonio Fratini and Dr Timothy Whitehead within the Engineering for Health Research Centre (E4H Research Centre). From BGR you will work with the Senior Management Team with further support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

Location: Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required. Own transport is required for the position. Located in rural Cambridgeshire in the picturesque village of Kimbolton, with easy and rapid access to Cambridge (30 minutes) and London (50 minutes by train).

 For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Patrick Geoghegan, e-mail: p.geoghegan@aston.ac.uk 

 If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/ 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

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