At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on electric vehicle energy needs and renewable energy systems.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41+ days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading academics and industry partners in an innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and the future of electric vehicles.
- Qualifications: PhD in a related field and experience with modelling tools like Matlab.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 43482 £ per year.
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, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Overview
The Management School offers a 1-year interdisciplinary post-doctoral position within the FEVER - EPSRC project “Future Electric Vehicle Energy networks supporting Renewables” (FEVER). You will join a wider cross-university project team of leading academics to address key research challenges for renewable generation and energy storage with respect to supporting the transition to electric vehicles and increasing the penetration of electric vehicle fleet charging systems throughout the UK. This grant aims to develop a novel hybrid Off-Vehicle-Energy-Storage solution and design methodology to deliver grid independent EV charging stations.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Undertake research of the interaction between commercial EV fleet energy requirements and energy generation/storage systems being commissioned at the demonstrator sites.
- Analyse and record data from fleet users and charging station demonstrators to produce useful findings for funders, academics, policy makers and practitioners.
- Write supporting documents (reports, journal and conference publications etc.) to contribute to and support the work of Work Package 5 deliverables.
- Carry out administrative roles related to Work Package 5 project activities, as required.
- Participate in regular project meetings with internal and external project partners.
- Prepare and support the delivery of papers for journals/presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences/seminars/workshops/events to disseminate research findings.
- Maintain a systematic record of academic outcomes.
- Plan own research schedule and workload (in consultation with line manager) to ensure that Work Package 5 deliverables and research objectives are met.
You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole. 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.
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 are 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.
Criteria
- PhD (awarded or recently submitted) in a related interdisciplinary context including Business/Management Studies and Engineering (electrical engineering or closely related discipline).
- Experience of using modelling and simulation tools, such as Matlab/Simulink.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations; communicating to internal and external partners in academia and industry.
- Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities according to a schedule.
- Excellent English language abilities (spoken/written).
- Experience of collecting/sourcing and analysing quantitative research data.
- Knowledge of relevant policies, legislation and commercial standards.
- Experience of drafting research papers and reports with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Further Information
Grade 7 Salary £38,784 - £43,482 Work arrangement Full-time Duration 1st September 2026 - 31st August 2027 Line manager Dr Erica Ballantyne, Senior Lecturer in Operations & Supply Chain Management.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early August. This will consist of an interview and a short presentation. Details will be provided to invited candidates.
If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mgt.hr@sheffield.ac.uk.
Research Associate - FEVER in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Senior Technician in the Geotechnical & Water Engineering Research Group, you will benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional growth through mentoring and training opportunities. Located on a central campus, you'll be part of a diverse community that values innovation and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful research and education.
Contact Details:
The University of Sheffield Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - FEVER in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at The University of Sheffield, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like The University of Sheffield. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - FEVER in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The University of Sheffield. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The University of Sheffield. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at The University of Sheffield. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The University of Sheffield to drive research projects forward.
