Job Description

Location: Partners for Endoscopy, Unit 21, Hartley House, 22 Galveston Grove, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 3PE
Salary: 38,000 to 40,000
Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months)
Basis: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 26 October 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0906-25
Release Date: Tuesday 23 September 2025
In collaboration with Aston University, this KTP will embed polymer chemistry
expertise within Partners for Endoscopy Ltd (PFE) to design a smart, biodegradable glove alternative using electrospraying (or similar technology, such as forcespinning) of sustainable polymers. The glove can be peeled off or washed away without harming the environment, reducing packaging waste, improving fit, enabling on-demand application and critically reducing clinical waste.
This KTP aligns with PFE's strategic focus on sustainable medical technologies and offers significant commercial, environmental, and operational benefits across the healthcare supply chain.
Candidate Profile:
A PhD in a related field is highly desirable given the technical complexity and innovation.
Skills/ experience required include:
Essential for the role:

• A strong academic background in polymer chemistry and materials science.
• Demonstrable understanding of polymer synthesis and processing, preferably including experience with sustainable or biodegradable polymers.
• Experience with material characterisation techniques.
• Must demonstrate flexibility and capability of working autonomously, as well as in a team, since they will work closely with both Aston and PFE colleagues.

Desirable for the role:

• Experience in electrospraying, electrospinning or forcespinning.
• Experience in formulation and prototype development.
• Familiarity with medical device and recycling regulations.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team and a large company.
• Excellent communication and management skills. This includes the ability to communicate effectively with academics and industrialists, including NHS staff.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.

Main responsibilities:

• To balance the 'green' nature of the raw material and solvents with the mechanical performance as well as end-user friendliness and safety requirements.
• To navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure the product is compliant with quality and safety standards is fundamental to secure customers, like clinics and NHS clients.
• To manage a number of external stakeholders, including NHS and Ecolab representatives who will also be part of the steering committee, requiring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• To communicate the value of the solution under development across the business and obtaining the appropriate resources as required.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills to successfully work with various stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team.
• Leadership qualities, maturity, good self-organisation, and time management skills to deliver agreed milestones and objectives.
• Highly motivated and adaptable.
• Career focussed.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of the team and use initiative.
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches, adopt new technologies and new data processing methods.

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to 4,000 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:

Career prospects:
60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.
This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by PFE and . 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:
The Company: Partners for Endoscopy (PFE) was founded in 2004 and supplies both public and private hospitals in the UK with specialist services, cleaning equipment and consumables for flexible endoscopes and personal protective equipment.. Web page:
Aston University: You will work in a project team with Professor Paul Topham and Dr James Wilson from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at PFE with the support of the IUK's Knowledge Transfer Adviser.
Location: You will be based at PFE, Stoke- On- Trent but will have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to Aston University and key clients may also be required. Flexible working can be arranged.
For informal enquiries about this role please e-mail Professor Paul Topham: .
If you think this isn't the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country:
Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter . We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.
Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Skills Required