Research Associate in Cement Chemistry

Research Associate in Cement Chemistry

University of Sheffield

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biological Engineering for someone with a passion for driving advances in sustainable cement chemistry and engineering as relevant to the nuclear sector. It is ideally suited to someone looking to use their skills in chemical engineering, materials science, or another relevant discipline, to make an impact on radioactive waste management.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help us develop geopolymer binders for long‑term management and disposal of degraded fuels and contaminated wastes in Japan and UK nuclear sectors. The role involves the development, analysis and validation of cementation technology for the safe treatment and disposal of radioactive wastes arising from the Fukushima Daiichi accident, in collaboration with team members in Japan, and the decommissioning of the Sellafield site in the UK, in collaboration with Sellafield Ltd. The post holder will develop technology and specifications for metakaolin‑based geopolymers as robust and promising stabilisers for radioactive waste disposal.

The post holder will work in the Sustainable Materials at Sheffield (SMASH) research team in the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biological Engineering. This position will be based at the University of Sheffield, and the project is funded by The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, as part of the collaborative UK Japan civil nuclear research programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory‑based investigations on the application of innovative alkali‑activated cements to the safe long‑term immobilisation of wastes.
• Establish and advance current knowledge in the application of cementation to the immobilisation of radioactive wastes, reducing the hazard posed by potential release of radioisotopes to the biosphere.
• Design and implement an experimental programme to gain a fundamental understanding of the compatibility between the identified waste materials and the candidate cements.
• Lead the preparation of progress reports summarising research findings for the project partners.
• Lead the interaction with external partners and liaison with other members of the research group and collaborators over work progress.
• Disseminate research findings through the production of papers for high‑quality peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
• Plan specific activities of the research project as agreed with the supervisory team.
• Complete all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing and ethical regulations at all times.
• Encourage ethical decision‑making in the role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into working activities wherever possible.
• Perform other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

We foster an inclusive community and encourage all applicants to apply, even if experience does not match perfectly. Please reference the application criteria in the statement when you apply.

Essential Criteria

• A good honours degree (or equivalent experience) in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, civil engineering, physics, or another relevant discipline.
• Hold or be close to completion of a PhD (or have equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline, providing broad knowledge of cementitious materials for both nuclear and construction sectors.
• Knowledge and experience of the chemistry, engineering and materials science of cements (including geopolymers) for radioactive waste immobilisation applications.
• Knowledge of relevant fresh‑and‑hardened‑state cement testing and characterisation techniques, e.g., isothermal calorimetry, XRD, SEM, XRF, FTIR, NMR, TGA, electron microscopy and other solid‑state and thermal analysis methods.
• Strong technical focus, ability to design and conduct experiments/model to measure properties of complex material systems, assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
• Strong leadership and management skills appropriate for a senior leadership role within the research group.

Desirable Criteria

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and experience of delivering presentations in a clear, interesting, concise manner.
• Ability to communicate results to both academic and industrial audiences, evidenced by a publication track record and conference attendance.
• Ability to work within a university research group and collaborate with external partners.

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,249 – £41,671
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Duration: 12 months
• Line manager: Brant Walkley
• Direct reports: N/A
• Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
• Contact: Dr Brant Walkley, Senior Lecturer – b.walkley@sheffield.ac.uk

Recruitment Process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in September 2026. This will consist of an interview (in person or online). If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk.

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• Staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to development through learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for menopause and fertility treatment, and more.

Equal Opportunities

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Security Standard

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

University Vision

We are the University of Sheffield. Our vision: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision. We believe in building a diverse community that recognises and values all abilities, backgrounds and beliefs.