RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITION IN SOLAR-THERMAL SYSTEM
MODELLING
A joint research consortium between the University of Cape Coast, 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.
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.
This AAKTP project aims to replace current outdated drying methods with sustainable modular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.
• Job title:
Research Associate in solar-thermal system modelling.
• Project Location:
The successful applicant will be based predominantly at Tropical Starch Company Ltd.,
Abura-Dunkwa, but will also have access to facilities at University of Cape Coast 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.
• The Company:
Tropical Starch Company Ltd. is a Private Limited Liability Company registered under
the Registrar General’s Department of Ghana. The company’s 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.
• The AAKTP Team:
The successful applicant will work in a project team with Dr. Fatimah Abubakar Von
and Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah at the University of Cape Coast; 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.
• 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.
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.
• 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.
• Key skills/ experience required include:
- Engineering design, particularly solar-thermal energy systems design
- Computational modelling skills, particularly using TRNSYS and MATLAB
- CAD software packages
- Advanced Excel skills
- Advanced presentation skills
- Project management skills to deliver key performance indicators
- Capability to prepare accurate technical reports and financial expenditure
Justifications.
• Personal attributes:
- Excellent verbal and writing communication skills (English and Native)
- 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.
- Strong organisational skills to co-ordinate work-streams and achieve agreed
objectives.
- Work independently on own initiative as and when required.
- Self-motivated, with good time management ability and good negotiation skills.
• Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months)
• Basis: Full Time
• Closing Date for Application: 20th October, 2023
• Interview Date: 30th October, 2023
• Start date: November/December (TBC)
• Salary and Benefits: Salary for the position is very competitive.
Funding for the project-related travel to the UK
is also available.
• 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:
- Signed application/cover letter (detailing the applicant’s qualifications and
motivation).
- Curriculum vitae (including 2 referees)/Resume (including 2 referees)
- Certified copies of academic transcripts
- One (1) reference letter from the applicant’s superiors/lecturers/professors
- Other relevant supporting documents (if any).
For informal enquiries, please contact: Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah.
Tel: 0502020731 or 0540491363
Email: ramoah@ucc.edu.gh
