Research Associate in Oxide Materials Sintering in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

We are seeking an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in inorganic materials sintering to join an exciting new interdisciplinary project. The project aims to create a step-change in protein-templated synthesis and sintering. You will work within a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of researchers to develop protein-mediated low temperature sintering methods for complex oxide materials. You will contribute to the overall direction and success of the project, contributing practical research alongside reporting and dissemination. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

Main duties and responsibilities

• This role will use protein-mediated assembly methods to control and direct monolith growth in functional oxide materials, with a focus on generalised methods which control microstructure.
• This will be supported by a full suite of standard characterisation techniques to understand the chemical, physical and functional properties of the materials made, and work closely with the synthesis aspect of the work.
• Assist with relevant research as directed by the project aims, in conjunction with other project team members, with a focus on development of protein-mediated sintering methods.
• Perform associated sample characterisation and analysis as directed by the project.
• Keep a detailed and accurate log book of all work.
• Work independently and as a team to meet project objectives.
• Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.
• Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
• Prepare reports for group meetings, including presentation of results to others within the project group.
• Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan; this involves planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements for the project.
• Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to understand the context of the project to the wider literature.
• Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders. This includes preparing written project reports, giving presentations at project meetings and conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

• A good honours degree in a relevant subject - Essential
• PhD in materials chemistry or similar (or equivalent relevant experience) - Essential
• Practical experience of ceramic sintering techniques - Essential
• Experience in cold sintering - Desirable
• Experience of standard materials characterisation techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR etc - Essential
• Experience using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry for magnetic materials - Desirable
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines - Essential
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills - Essential
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages - Essential
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team - Essential

Further Information

Grade 7 Salary £38,784 - £44,746 per annum Work arrangement Full-time Duration End date 29th Feb 2028, with the possibility to extend to 31st Aug 2029 subject to review Line manager Project Lead Direct reports N/A Right to work in the UK If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place mid-August. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.