RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITION IN SOLAR-THERMAL SYSTEM
MODELLING
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A joint research consortium between the 黑料社, Ghana, Aston University,
UK, and Tropical Starch Company Ltd. has received funding from Innovate UK under its
African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programme (AAKTP) to develop and
install an integrated solar-desiccant dryer for cassava starch and other agricultural products.
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The project is seeking to recruit a highly qualified and motivated Modelling and Simulation
Engineer as an Associate to support the design and installation of the innovative dryer.
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This AAKTP project aims to replace current outdated drying methods with sustainable modular
solar-desiccant dryers using logic controller and concentrated thermal & photovoltaic
collectors to harness solar thermal and photovoltaic energies for heat and electricity generation.
It is essential that as an applicant, you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will
play if you secure this position. To learn more, please click here.
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鈥� 听听听Job title:
听Research Associate in solar-thermal system modelling.
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鈥� 听听听Project Location:
The successful applicant will be based predominantly at Tropical Starch Company Ltd.,
Abura-Dunkwa, but will also have access to facilities at 黑料社 and
remote access to facilities at Aston University in the UK. Some travel to key clients of
the company will also be required, as well as travel to the United Kingdom for training purposes.
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鈥� 听听听The Company:
Tropical Starch Company Ltd. is a Private Limited Liability Company registered under
the Registrar General鈥檚 Department of Ghana. The company鈥檚 primary engagement is the
processing of agricultural products, including industrial starch, high-quality cassava flour,
sweet potato-fortified gari and fermented cassava (kokonte) flour. The company
also seeks to expand its operations to include the drying of fruit and vegetable products.
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鈥� 听听The AAKTP Team:
The successful applicant will work in a project team with Dr. Fatimah Abubakar Von
and Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah at the 黑料社; Dr. Ahmed Rezk
and Dr. Tabbi Awotwe at Aston University, and the Senior Management Team at
Tropical Starch Company Ltd. with the support of the IUK-KTNs Knowledge Transfer Adviser.
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鈥� 听听Responsibilities:
The Modelling and Simulation Engineer (KTP Associate) will be challenged both
intellectually and commercially to develop a novel technical solution which is both
effective and financially viable. S/he will work collaboratively with academics at UCC
and Aston University, as well as the technical team at Tropical Starch Company Ltd.
To build and embed knowledge within the company.
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Key responsibilities of the Modelling and Simulation Engineer will include but not
limited to the following:
a) Establish a robust site-specific technical data repository for the dryer system
design, operation and management.
b) Develop a 0-Dimensional computational model for the Concentrated
Photovoltaic Collectors (CPVT) and subsystems design using MATLAB and
TRNSYS.
c) Develop a specification based on the modelling results and according to the
operating conditions and energy split.
d) Develop a pilot prototype solar-desiccant dryer.
e) Determine the optimal system configuration and develop an operating manual
for technical training of project clients.
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鈥� Qualification:
The Modelling and Simulation Engineer (KTP Associate) will require a high level of
technical expertise or experience in simulation and modelling, and will ideally have
either a relevant PhD, preferably, or an MSc with significant industrial experience as a
minimum. Knowledge of agriculture/post-harvest processing would be a distinct
advantage.
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鈥� Key skills/ experience required include:
- 听Engineering design, particularly solar-thermal energy systems design
- 听Computational modelling skills, particularly using TRNSYS and MATLAB
- 听CAD software packages
- 听Advanced Excel skills
- 听Advanced presentation skills
- 听Project management skills to deliver key performance indicators
- 听Capability to prepare accurate technical reports and financial expenditure
Justifications.
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鈥� Personal attributes:
- 听Excellent verbal and writing communication skills (English and Native)
- 听Willingness to work in a rural setting with various stakeholders in a
multidisciplinary project team. The KTP Associate should be able to transfer
knowledge to the company and work closely with supervisors from the UK and
Ghana.
- 听Strong organisational skills to co-ordinate work-streams and achieve agreed
objectives.
- 听Work independently on own initiative as and when required.
- 听Self-motivated, with good time management ability and good negotiation skills.
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鈥� 听Contract Type:听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 Fixed Term (24 months)
鈥� 听Basis: 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听Full Time
鈥� 听Closing Date for Application: 听听20th October, 2023
鈥� 听Interview Date: 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听30th October, 2023
鈥� 听Start date: 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听November/December (TBC)
鈥� 听Salary and Benefits:听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 听Salary for the position is very competitive.
听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听 Funding for the project-related travel to the UK
is also available.
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鈥� Mode of Application:
This call is open to all Ghanaians. Qualified female candidates are particularly
encouraged to apply. Interested persons should send their applications to the Directorate
of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) through email (dric@ucc.edu.gh).
Applications should include the following documents:
- 听听Signed application/cover letter (detailing the applicant鈥檚 qualifications and
听motivation).
- 听听Curriculum vitae (including 2 referees)/Resume (including 2 referees)
- 听听Certified copies of academic transcripts
- 听听One (1) reference letter from the applicant鈥檚 superiors/lecturers/professors
- 听听Other relevant supporting documents (if any).
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For informal enquiries, please contact: Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah.
Tel: 0502020731 or 0540491363
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Email: ramoah@ucc.edu.gh