University of Bath KTP Programme
MACH Acoustics Ltd
The Company
MACH Acoustics provides acoustic consultancy across all the areas of the
built environment. In particular, they consult on the acoustics of low-carbon
buildings, assessing how sound and air will move through buildings. Their
sustainable acoustic products and consultancy focus on preventing noise
ingress and the transfer of sound through low pressure-drop air paths. They
are based in Bristol.
The job
This job is to develop a suite of innovative analytical design tools capable of
optimizing low-velocity acoustic attenuation and screening solutions in lowcarbon buildings. These analytical design tools will be empirically validated
and will be able to optimize low-velocity acoustic attenuation and screening
solutions for current/future climate scenarios. You will be known as the KTP
Associate and the project is a two year Knowledge Transfer Partnership
(KTP) between Mach Acoustics and the department of Architecture and Civil
Engineering at the University of Bath.
Partnership objectives
The existing design of low carbon, naturally ventilated buildings attempts to
maximise air flow to improve air quality with minimum heat loss. One of the
key challenges in today’s low-carbon buildings is reconciling the need for
natural ventilation with good acoustic performance. This is especially acute in
schools, University buildings, offices, and performing arts buildings that
require continuous ventilation. The development of new analytical design tools
will;
Resolve the conflict between the high air-flow regimes required by
good natural ventilation and the low-flow requirements of good acoustic
attenuation.
Quantify how complex interactions of localised diffusion, reflection and
absorption phenomena around building vents and openings affect realworld acoustic and ventilation performance.
Evaluate the effects on room acoustics and air-flow of multiple
openings and façade vents combinations.
Partnership management
The KTP Project is delivered by the KTP Associate and is managed through
the Local Management Committee (LMC). This is chaired by the senior
company executive and comprises the Company and Academic
leaders/supervisors and a KTP Advisor (Technology Strategy Board
representative). The LMC meets every four months and is responsible for
programme direction, ensuring that all parties gain maximum benefit and for
authorising expenditure.
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Associates are expected to prepare an executive summary, to report on
progress for the LMC meeting and this must be circulated in advance to LMC
members. They are also expected to make a formal presentation on some
aspects of their work at this meeting.
A monthly progress meeting is held with the Company and Academic
Supervisors. The Associate is expected to arrange and document these
meetings. The Associate is required to maintain a log of the tangible benefits
of the project and to provide internal seminars for other members of University
and Company staff, based on knowledge acquired through attendance at
courses and conferences.
Associate profile
A first or 2.1 degree in Acoustics or Architectural Engineering or a closely
related engineering field, (such as mechanical engineering, building science,
building services) is essential. You must also demonstrate an interest in
building physics and low-carbon building performance. Ideally you will have
some postgraduate industrial experience in a construction related
organisation. Additionally we will expect you to demonstrate;
Exceptional parametric analysis and modelling skills.
Excellent organisational and communication skills.
The ability to undertake detailed dynamic modelling with accuracy and
good quality control of monitored procedures.
The ability to be academically inquisitive yet balanced with intuitive
engineering awareness.
The ability to work as part of a dynamic and cross-functional team.
Skills in art/graphic design and practical skills.
Candidates will be expected to show that they have the desire and ambition to
manage and to control their own projects and to deliver the objectives without
the need for continual supervision. Furthermore, you must be able to
demonstrate a confident and mature approach to your work. Finally, you must
also be able to undertake the travel which is a necessary part of this project.
Associate’s expectation
The Associate will have the opportunity to pursue a higher degree as a
member of staff of the University. Bath provides an MPhil in Knowledge
Transfer specifically for KTP Associates, or another higher degree offered by
the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering may be appropriate.
The Associate will be encouraged to gain membership of a relevant
professional body. They may undertake several selected course activities as
well as general courses at the University as a member of staff. Within the
limits of commercial confidentiality, the Associate will have the opportunity to
deliver papers at conferences and will be expected to co-author articles.
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The Associate will receive external management training as part of their
project and will have an additional training and development budget to allow
them to expand and increase their skills and knowledge.
On successful completion of the project it is possible that the Associate could
be offered a permanent position with the company. However, if due to
unforeseen circumstances this is not possible, the Associate will still have
acquired invaluable managerial and technical skills. These will include project
management skills, new product development and marketing and analytically
rigorous mathematical modelling techniques. You will also gain commercial
experience through close involvement with the senior management of the
company and knowledge of the daily running of a successful business.
Salary and conditions of employment
The salary is £22,000 - £25,000 pa depending on qualifications and
experience and the reward package includes a pension contribution and
separate £4,000 personal training and development budget.
The Associate will be appointed by the University as a member of staff with
the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, responsible to the
appointed academic supervisor. The contract of employment is for 24 months.
There is a probationary period of six months, during which time the contract
may be terminated by either side with one month’s notice. Thereafter, the
required notice period to be given by either side is three months. The
University requires a mid- probationary report after three months and a full
probationary report at six months.
In other respects the Associate will be treated as a company employee. Work
will mainly take place at the Company’s premises in Bristol. However the
project may require some periods of time to be spent at the University. The
conditions of work, including work hours and holiday entitlement, will be those
applying to Company employees. An appraisal is carried out at six months
with the Academic and Company Supervisors. This is used to identify the
Associate’s training requirements in relation to programme tasks and their
personal development plan. There will be a further appraisal at eighteen
months.
Whilst there is no commitment on the company to retain the Associate at the
end of the programme, it is expected that the Associate will be made aware of
future prospects at their eighteen month appraisal. KTP appointments cannot
normally be extended beyond the end of the project.
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