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- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project to develop solar water purification technology and conduct innovative experiments.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and extensive retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while gaining valuable research experience in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or related field, with strong synthetic and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and mentoring in a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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.
A fully funded 6-month opportunity is available at the University of Sheffield in the field of solar water purification, funded by Grantham Center for Sustainable Futures. The project aims to develop a compact water-purification device aimed at using visible light to kill bacteria in water. The researcher will be responsible for synthesis of polymer scaffolds and proprietary photosensitisers, upscaling the device and conducting bacterial assays. The position involves conducting experiments, analysing data, and designing and implementing a more sustainable device utilising cheaper materials. The work is a collaboration between Prof Julia Weinstein (Chemistry), Prof Frederik Claeyssens and Dr Esther Karunakaran (Chemical, Material and Biological Engineering), and an industrial partner. The project requires a high degree of independence and initiative.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Synthesis of high porosity polymers;
- Scaling up a device for water purification (design is currently commercially sensitive);
- Testing the device efficiency using bacterial assays;
- Providing leadership as a professional scientist, including supporting/mentoring other students;
- Collaborating with the project’s partners in industry;
- 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 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
- A PhD degree or equivalent in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science or equivalent — Essential, assessed at Application/interview
- Synthetic skills — Essential, Application / interview
- Problem-solving — Essential, Application / interview
- Interpersonal skills, necessary to communicate with biologists, chemists, engineers and technical professionals — Essential, Application / interview
- Project management skills — Desirable, Application / interview
- Bacterial culture and cell viability assays — Desirable, Application / interview
Further Information
- Grade: 6.5
- Salary: £35,608
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: The project must be completed by 30 July 2026.
- Line manager: Professor of Physical Chemistry
- Direct reports: N/A
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Julia Weinstein, Professor of Physical Chemistry: on julia.weinstein@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in February 2026. This will consist of a presentation, an interview, and a discussion with questions & answers. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of 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 mps-hr@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.
- 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.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies support for those going through the menopause paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.
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.
Research Associate in Solar Water Purification with Metal Complexes in Sheffield employer: 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 in Solar Water Purification with Metal Complexes in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Sheffield on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your knowledge about solar water purification and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description. We want to impress them with our expertise and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our soft skills! The role requires great interpersonal skills, so think of examples where we've successfully collaborated with others. Let’s highlight our ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Solar Water Purification with Metal Complexes in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, be sure to emphasise your synthetic skills and any relevant experience in bacterial assays. We want to see how you can contribute to our solar water purification project!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your passion for the project shines through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about their work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of solar water purification and the specific methodologies mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with polymer synthesis and bacterial assays, as these will be key topics during the interview.
✨Show Your Independence
This role requires a high degree of independence and initiative. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've taken the lead on projects or solved problems creatively. Highlighting your ability to work autonomously will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll be collaborating with professionals from various fields, practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with biologists, chemists, and engineers.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
As part of the selection process, you'll need to give a presentation. Choose a relevant topic that showcases your expertise and aligns with the project goals. Make it engaging and be prepared to answer questions afterwards to show your depth of knowledge.
