Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing
Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing

Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing

Full-Time 38784 - 47389 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The University of Sheffield

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a pioneering team developing innovative titanium and steel alloys for sustainable engineering.
  • Company: University of Sheffield, a leader in advanced materials research and innovation.
  • Benefits: 41+ days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and personal development opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and access cutting-edge research facilities at the Henry Royce Institute.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability in high-integrity engineering sectors while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: PhD in science or engineering with expertise in advanced materials and metals processing.

The predicted salary is between 38784 - 47389 ÂŁ per year.

An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher exists within the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The University of Sheffield are partners in an European Union project and regional development projects that requires pioneering a ground‑breaking, distinctive system‑level approaches to solid‑state processing and alloy development dedicated to the pressing challenge of maximising the life of high‑integrity sector products. Encompassing technical, business model, supply chain, culture, risk, standards and commercial considerations, the STAR group are delivering tighter circularity loops in high‑integrity engineering sectors. This post will work to develop solid‑state processing routes from waste streams, develop new steel and titanium alloys for forging processes in order to create mechanical properties for new components produced from recycled critical metals. The research post will also use equipment in the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Sheffield which is part of the UK’s national centre for advanced materials research, innovation and commercialisation.

Responsibilities

  • Write a literature review and supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research team, e.g. reports and interim reports.
  • Carry out administrative roles as required.
  • Plan research effectively and report to the supervisory team.
  • Coordinate and liaise with industrial members of the project team and industry collaborators.
  • Continuously monitor and check results.
  • Conduct alloy development through melt and non‑melt routes and subsequent thermomechanical processing and forming trials.
  • Characterise the microstructure of material produced used during solid‑state processing trials, using standard metallographic preparation and electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques.
  • Utilise appropriate finite element and multi‑physics modelling software to support the research deliverables.
  • Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Qualifications

  • Essential: A PhD, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a science or engineering discipline.
  • Essential: A strong scientific or engineering background with a broad knowledge of Advanced Materials research, specific expertise in thermomechanical processing, titanium and/or steel alloy development and an ability to understand and communicate its key technological aspects.
  • Essential: Experience of working in multiscale materials modelling.
  • Essential: Experience of traditional metals processing of titanium and steel in an industrial environment.
  • Desirable: Experience in solid‑state powder and swarf processing and hot forging.
  • Essential: Experience in interpreting flow stress and field‑assisted sintering data.
  • Essential: High level of competency in electron microscopy (SEM, EBSD and TEM).
  • Essential: Experience in non‑destructive evaluation and mechanical testing methods.
  • Desirable: Ability to plan, organise and execute to ensure the production of the agreed deliverables to the project plan.
  • Essential: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to deal with both scientific and commercial issues authoritatively.
  • Essential: Self‑motivation and the capability of being a team player as well as a team leader.

Salary, Grade and Duration

  • Grade: 7
  • Salary: ÂŁ38,784 - ÂŁ47,389 per annum
  • Duration: Fixed‑term until 31.05.2029
  • Working arrangement: Full‑time
  • Line manager: Professor Martin Jackson
  • Direct reports: N/A

Benefits

  • 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.
  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
  • A range of generous family‑friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies access to menopause support in the workplace paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.

For informal enquiries, contact Professor Martin Jackson at martin.jackson@sheffield.ac.uk.

Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing employer: The University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. With a commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 41 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment through various staff networks, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in alloy development while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
The University of Sheffield

Contact Detail:

The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of materials engineering and alloy development. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with thermomechanical processing and alloy development confidently. We recommend practising common interview questions related to your expertise so you can shine when it counts!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on relevant projects, compile them into a neat presentation. This could include reports, research findings, or even presentations. We love seeing tangible evidence of your capabilities!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to innovative projects like alloy development and solid-state processing.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing

Advanced Materials Research
Thermomechanical Processing
Titanium Alloy Development
Steel Alloy Development
Multiscale Materials Modelling
Electron Microscopy (SEM, EBSD, TEM)
Non-Destructive Evaluation
Mechanical Testing Methods
Solid-State Powder Processing
Hot Forging
Flow Stress Interpretation
Field-Assisted Sintering Data Analysis
Project Planning and Organisation
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in titanium and steel alloy development. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!

Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, be sure to emphasise your experience with literature reviews and technical reports. We’re looking for someone who can effectively communicate complex ideas, so include examples of your past work that demonstrate these skills.

Highlight Teamwork and Leadership: This position requires both teamwork and leadership abilities. Share instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or led a project. We want to know how you can contribute to our dynamic team at StudySmarter!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield

✨Know Your Research

Before the interview, dive deep into the latest advancements in titanium and steel alloy development. Familiarise yourself with recent publications and breakthroughs in solid-state processing. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience with thermomechanical processing and multiscale materials modelling. Prepare specific examples of projects where you've applied these skills, especially in an industrial setting. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to their research team.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to electron microscopy techniques and non-destructive evaluation methods. Brush up on your knowledge of interpreting flow stress data and be prepared to explain how you've used these techniques in past projects. This will showcase your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since the role involves liaising with industry collaborators, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills during the interview will highlight your ability to work well within a team and communicate effectively with both scientific and commercial stakeholders.

Research Associate - Titanium & Steel Alloy Development & Processing
The University of Sheffield

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>