Physicist

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation in the Sustainability team could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. As a Group we are a global manufacturer of construction materials and our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group. We have a 40-year heritage in manufacturing insulation and have big plans for the future. Our global reach in 40 countries continues to grow and we are looking for passionate, ambitious people to join our 6000-strong team and help us achieve our goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world.

The expansion of the Core R&DDepartment means we are now looking to recruit new Physicist in one of our Central Hubs - Visé (Belgium), St Helens (UK) or Skofja Loka (Slovenia)- and reporting to the Process Modelling Manager.

Can you say ‘yes’?...

• Do you want towork on high-profile projects that are at the heart of the production process ?
• Do you act with future generations in mind, workingon the design of next-generation equipment and processes to meet the company’s net-zero carbon targets ?
• Do you have a proven track record of delivering results?
• Do you treat your colleagues with respect?

As Physicist , you'd helpbuild physics and mathematical models and developa more robust understanding of the key physics involved in our manufacturing processes and use this information to propose improvements in design and operation.You'll be working with internal and external experts (glass scientists, CFD modellers and process experts) to better describe the physics and phenomenological aspects of fiberising.

What you’ll be doing:

• To develop a full physics description and appropriate physics-models of key manufacturing processes involved in glass fibre production
• Develop physics-based descriptions and appropriate physics-models of product performance
• Work with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) engineers to ensure their models and simulations are using appropriate physics for the specific simulations and scale
• Act as consultant to other teams within Core R&D that would benefit from the application of a better understanding of physics.
• Work with process engineering teams to optimise the process; ensure key process parameters are understood and captured in physics models;
• Work with product development teams to ensure there is good understanding of the key factors affecting product performance and quality. Using validated models, advise product development teams of strategies to enhance product performance.
• To produce reports that summarise key knowledge of our industrial processes to enable clear dissemination of knowledge amongst the Knauf Insulation process and engineering teams

What we’d love for you to have:

We are interested in you as a person; your attitude, behaviours and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you don't already have, we'd love to speak to you.

More specifically, we're looking for someone motivated who hasPhysics or Physical Science Degree with advanced applied Mathematical content (i.e. Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering).

If you have experience in the following areas – this is an added advantage:

• Appreciation of the key Physics involved in our manufacturing of mineral wool fibres using rotating machinery at high temperatures.
  
  
• Excellent mathematics skills with a sound understanding of applied mathematical techniques that might be applied in exploring the physics involved in our manufacturing environment.
  
  
• Excellent problem solving / analytical skills
  
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; good presentation skills
  
  
• Excellent data handling and analysis skills, ideally with good knowledge of statistical software, ideally also with programming knowledge
  
  
• Ability to meet deadlines / work under pressure / deal with changing priorities
  
  
• Self-motivation
  
  
• Ability to work alone and within a team
  
  
• Willingness/ ability to travel (up to 50% of travel)

We will provide:

As this is a central, international position, the package and associated benefits will be those of the contract's host country. Our common criterion was to build a comprehensive salary package that stands out in the market.

On top of that, a dedicated time for personal development and potential for leadership training will be provided.You'll havethe opportunity to work within a high profile and well respected R&D team with a wide variety of expertise in analytical, production, fabrication, product design, data science and materials science and many others.

You'llalsowork with the latest analytical equipment, simulation software, data science applications, and link with external experts from industry and academia to solve cutting edge problems.

What happens next?

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within five working days.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) reinforces our Knauf Insulation values of Making Tomorrow a Home for all of us. We are committed to creating a workplace where we all can thrive, whoever we are, and inspiring a culture of inclusion and innovation that will drive future business success. We do our best to make sure being at work feels like home. To learn more about our business and culture go here ( Our values (knaufinsulation.com))