Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate in Advanced and Digitalised ConstructionUniversity

The University of Manchester

Manchester Full time £37,694 - £46,049 a year

Posted 16 September 2026 Closing date 30 September 2026

Job reference: SAE-032319

Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 30/09/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed term for 36 months

School/Directorate: School of Engineering

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate in Advanced and Digitalised Construction. This 36-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership project with the University of Manchester and Patented Housing ltd will use advanced manufacturing techniques to optimise and digitalise the prefabrication processes of low-cost housing. The role will focus on enhancing efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety in prefabricated construction.

You will be responsible for:

Develop simulation models by creating and validating advanced simulation models to replicate dynamic prefabricated construction sites

Enhance prefabricated construction processes by identifying areas of inefficiency, safety risks and design mitigation strategies, and align them with industry standards

Optimise task allocation by designing strategies to streamline task design and allocation to improve safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability

Collaborate with stakeholders by engaging with academics and industry partners to refine models, strategies, and project outputs

Disseminate project findings by publishing results in academic journals, generate industry reports, and lead workshops

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

Candidates should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Digital Construction or a related discipline

Demonstrable experience in modelling, simulation, and optimisation of industrial workflows and processes, especially in advanced manufacturing and/or prefabricated construction

Proficiency in systems design and optimisation, programming, and practical implementation, with a focus on advanced manufacturing in construction

Strong skills in simulation methodologies

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable criteria:

Familiarity with machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence as applied to advanced manufacturing

Understanding of organisational psychology principles related to advanced manufacturing and prefabricated construction

Knowledge of construction workflows, equipment, and safety protocols

Familiarity with IoT devices, digital twinning, and sensors for advanced manufacturing applications in construction

Experience in mentoring or supervising workers, junior researchers, or students

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

Generous employer contribution pension

29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure

Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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