Post Title: Software Developer with AI in Modern Construction - KTP Associate

SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science (SPECS)

FTE: 1 fte working 37.5 hours per week

Duration of Contract: Fixed term for 35 months

Annual Leave: 24 days plus standard public holidays. You’ll be required to save 3-5 days to cover the closure of the company office between Christmas and New Year

Location: University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB and Ultrapanel Building Technology Ltd., Enterprise Works, Salthill Road, Clitheroe, BB7 1PE

About the programme: This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme (KTP) funded by Innovate UK (IUK). A KTP is a 3-way collaboration between a graduate (or post-graduate), a business (or not for profit organisation) and a university or research institution. KTPs are designed to deliver an innovation project and bring about lasting, transformative change. As a KTP Associate, you will lead the project with full support from company and academic supervisors, while benefiting from expert coaching and mentoring with one of IUK’s highly experienced Advisers.

The University of Hertfordshire wishes to recruit a dynamic, highly skilled & qualified graduate to lead and deliver a project with Ultrapanel, a subsidiary of the Ultraframe Group, who commercialise its Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) system for the new build housing market, providing a high-performance and cost-effective alternative to timber frames with significant scalability potential. This project will advance innovation in design-to-manufacturing technologies for offsite construction, driving business growth and shaping industry standards. The KTP includes access to management skills training delivered by Ashorne Hill,in addition to a £5,833 training budget.

About Ultrapanel: Since 2021, Ultrapanel has generated £1.7m through the design, manufacture, and installation of room-in-roof structures supplied to housebuilders. In 2024, its technology was accredited for external wall applications, expected to drive additional revenue from 2026. Ultrapanel has received six product Innovation awards. Ultrapanel employs eight staff, six in installation, supported by six seconded Design Engineers from Ultraframe's 30-strong R&D team. They lead product development, accreditations, and designs. In 2025, Ultrapanel focused on building demonstration houses and establishing its sales pipeline. The current objective is to expand market share in the UK new-build sector.

The associate will develop a digital solution to enhance the manufacturing and assembly process. With the goal of improving productivity and resource use, reducing material waste, and enabling greater standardisation across multiple building types.

You will handle data collection and analysis and contribute on the design and organisation of the project as well as work with academic team members on peer reviewed papers and presentations. You will be expected to disseminate the results and outputs of the project and ensure the collating and writing of final project are of a high standard. You will take an active part in the academic life of the school through participation in seminars and other similar events.

You will have technical experience in software development and AI, as well as preferably having knowledge of business functions and experience in, either leading or being highly involved in a project through a placement or employment. Ideally, you will have an understanding of data engineering and integration, especially with API. You will be methodical, have good attention to detail, able to work to deadlines as a team and independently.

You will be educated to a minimum of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, or higher, in Computer Science or a closely related subject or relevant discipline.

Hours of work: 8:00am-4:00pm with a 30 minute lunch break (open to some flexibility regarding working times)

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Due to the structure of KTP funding, appointees requiring a work visa will be able to commence employment only after confirmation of their having UK right to work that covers the entirety of the project. The visa position regarding sponsorship or support will be considered once the successful applicant has been determined. The successful applicant must be available to start work by 19th December 2026 due to the KTP funding requirement.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Lucy Cooper, Administrator – lc24aau@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 23 June 2026

Interview Date: TBC

Reference Number: REQ000729

Date advert placed: 26 May 2026

Our vision is to transform lives and UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits, discounted Sports Village memberships and personal and professional development. #GoHerts