Textiles Research & Development Project Lead (BFTT Partnership) - Tengri Ltd.

The opportunity

This post is an exciting opportunity for a Post Graduate, or Post-Doctoral Researcher (or equivalent demonstrable industry /research experience) to work as the Research & Development (R&D) Project Lead, facilitating a novel collaborative project, between the London College of Fashion (UAL) and Tengri Limited.  

The successful candidate will work with the R&D and management team at Tengri, an SME specialising in sourcing noble fibres and developing socially and environmentally conscious products for the luxury market, and research experts in textile and fashion design at the London College of Fashion in University of the Arts London.

You will be employed by the University of the Arts London but will also spend time at Tengri with premises in London with some UK travel required.  You will spend some time at the University on research as well as receiving academic, technical and mentoring support throughout the project.

Tengri’s B&C grade fibre product development project has been awarded funding within the BFTT R&D SME Support Programme. The Programme aims to foster a creative business development culture which will enable fashion, textile and technology SMEs to thrive using bespoke R&D as a mechanism for innovation and growth. A core objective of this challenge is to advance the development of sustainable and technologically engaged fashion, textiles and technology products, services and experiences.

The principal aim of the project is to explore the commercial potential of yarn bio-waste (B & C grade Yak fibres, alone or in combination with other fibres).  .

Purpose of the Role:

The main purpose of this role is to work collaboratively with the Academic Mentor for the ‘Tengri Noble Fibres’ project and the Company Lead to facilitate the delivery of the R&D project’s key objectives including:

• Defining the potential of Tengri’s yarn bio-waste fibres (B&C grade fibres, alone or in combination with other fibres).
• Research appropriate techniques to develop prototypes from the yarn bio waste including non-woven processes and heritage weaving techniques. 
• Develop a range of prototypes suitable for commercial testing.

This is a key role for the project and requires an experienced researcher with appropriate industry experience in fashion and textiles design, weaving and/or textiles engineering and an interest and/or experience in applied and collaborative research. The role also requires excellent organisational and project management skills.

About you

• PG qualification in the area of textiles, fashion design, or textiles/fabric engineering or equivalent research and/or industry experience. (essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of fabric design and manufacturing techniques gained through research and/or relevant R&D industry work. (essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the commercial and design landscape of woven and non-woven fabrics (essential) and inparticular the sustainable and ethical commercial and design landscape. (desirable) 
• Excellent organisational and project management skills. (essential)
• Knowledge of circularity and sustainability within the fabric and fashion context. (desirable)
• Experience of working within a fashion brand and/or manufacturer. (essential)
• Familiarity of woven and non-woven fabric development techniques and production. (essential)
• At least 5 years’ experience with fashion/fabric design and/or production processes. (desirable)
• Quantitative and qualitative research skills suited to the development & analysis of fabrics and sustainable commercial products.