UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE DEPARTMENT LOCATION Product Development Specialist KTP Associate School of Sport and Exercise Science Brayford JOB NUMBER EL1144 GRADE 28,000 DATE June 2018 REPORTS TO Academic Supervisor CONTEXT This post has been created as a result of an exciting and innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP; between Plum Products Ltd. ( and the Biofeedback Research Group, within the School of Sport and Exercise Science, at the University of Lincoln ( Plum Products are the UK s market leading outdoor play and activity supplier. The company s product ranges are distributed to consumers both in the UK and internationally, with company facilities in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. As part of its ambitious global business plan, Plum is looking to further develop its market leading position in the outdoor play market and also expand into new and exciting categories. Based at the UK offices on the outskirts of Lincoln, the Associate will be supported by experienced staff from both Plum Products Ltd. and the University of Lincoln to undertake research to inform development in support of Plum s strategic growth plan. As part of this innovation the Associate will undertake data capture and analysis of the human-trampoline interaction, therefore gaining experience in experimental design to inform product development. The appropriate post holder will have the option to register for a fully funded part-time PhD at the University of Lincoln alongside this role. The successful candidate will have a first or upper-class honours degree in a relevant area. Applicants from sport and exercise science, biomechanics and engineering with a relevant specialism (e.g. biomedical, biomechanical, ergonomics, etc.) are all eligible to apply. The overall aims of this 36 month KTP are to develop a scientific methodology to underpin and drive trampoline research and development, and to develop an interactive biofeedback device. The appropriate post holder will have undertaken a research project at undergraduate or Masters level relating to an aspect of motion capture, human-equipment interaction or mechanical analysis (e.g. biomechanical assessments of equipment). A strong aptitude for mathematics and ability to program in Matlab / or programming is highly desirable. This employment opportunity comes with an excellent personal development package including 6000 for training and development, a 6750 travel budget, as well as a funded annual visit to the production factory in China. A high specification laptop will also be provided for data analysis. Page 1 of 5

2 JOB PURPOSE The role will be research and innovation focused. You will work in partnership with the New Product Development team and the University of Lincoln to inform and take day-to-day control of the research and development of new and innovative products. To undertake a review of current trampoline development processes, and the scientific literature supporting the human-trampoline interaction. A large part of the project will be to develop variables to underpin trampoline research and develop a scientific testing methodology to assess the human-trampoline interaction. To manage the 36-month collaboration between Plum Products Ltd. and the University of Lincoln Page 2 of 5

3 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Literature Surveys To undertake literature surveys and other investigations of the state-of-the-art and to prepare reports as required. Research To perform research under the direction from the supervisory team, to generate original knowledge, contribute to decisions about research direction, and to prepare reports as required. Plan own day-to-day research activity within the context of the required research programme, exhibiting a high degree of autonomy. This project may include incorporating research from sports biomechanics, clinical biomechanics, health and exercise physiology, product design and programming. There may also be occasions where the post holder will be required to undertake market research with current customers. Contribute to the production of research outputs, including reports, papers and other publications, and preparation for and presentation at international research conferences. Development and Testing Take results from research, and with consultation from the product development team, apply them into developing new trampolines that integrate into Plum s current catalogue. The Associate will use principles of biomechanics to develop variables informing trampoline design. This methodology will be industry friendly and relayed to Plum Products product development team and stakeholders. This will produce a rigorous testing plan to assess product functionality which will be integrated into the development of future trampoline ranges. Work autonomously in the Design and Development of new creative and innovative products as well as testing the current products and suitability Drive development schedule to maximise efficiency and reduce development lead-times. The Associate will also be pivotal in the development and testing of new products. Liaison and Networking Liaise with colleagues within the business and knowledge base, maintaining positive and effective working relationships; this may include liaison with senior personnel in other organisations including customers, sponsors and clients. Where appropriate, participate in internal research activities at the University of Lincoln, including seminars, research meetings and continuous professional development activities. In addition to the above, undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post. Page 3 of 5

4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Scope and dimensions of the role The post holder will deliver the work as set out in the 3-year work plan, and attend development courses, conferences and training events that are deemed suitable for the project delivery. Internal Key working relationships/networks External Other in-house technical staff, marketing staff, and sales staff Lead Academic Academic Supervisor Departmental Managers Finance Departments External clients University research and support staff University undergraduate and postgraduate students Other KTP Associates Page 4 of 5

5 UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE Product Development Specialist KTP Associate JOB NUMBER EL1144 Selection Criteria Qualifications: MSc in sports science, with specialism in biomechanics, or engineering with relevant specialism (e.g. biomedical, biomechanical, ergonomics) or other relevant disciplines. BSc in sports science, with specialism in biomechanics, or engineering with relevant specialism (e.g. biomedical, biomechanical, ergonomics) or other relevant disciplines. Experience: Essential (E) or Desirable (D) D E Where Evidenced Application (A) Interview (I) Presentation (P) References (R) Experience of data collection and analysis E A, I Experience and / or knowledge of programming (e.g. Matlab) D A, I Working autonomously and within a small team structure E A, I Working within a commercial organisation D A Skills and Knowledge: Strong communication skills (both written and oral) E A, I, P Software development and / or coding of apps D A, I Technical knowledge and experience of product development D A, I Numerical literacy - strong mathematical aptitude E A, I Competencies and Personal Attributes: Ability to manage and lead a project with multiple stakeholders E A, I Professional and diplomatic approach to work at all times E A, I Ability to learn and work on new technologies in a short time span E A Enthusiastic about research and development E A, I A high level of personal motivation and self-directed time management of goals and objectives Ability to understand the application of scientific data to real world products D A, I Capacity to undertake a part-time PhD D A, I, P Business Requirements: Flexible in working hours E A, I Full driving licence valid in the UK and access to a vehicle E A, I Essential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. E A A A, I Author FM HRBA NH Page 5 of 5