At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of advanced decision support models for optimising waste recycling networks.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, collaborating with the University of Leeds.
- Benefits: 42 days holiday, generous pension, health and wellbeing support, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable waste management while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Operations Research or related field, with expertise in optimisation modelling.
The predicted salary is between 35820 - 43780 £ per year.
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to support the development, implementation, and real world adoption of advanced decision support models for the optimisation of Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) networks. This is a part time (0.4 FTE, two days per week), fixed term position for 9 months, based primarily at Sheffield City Council (SCC), Waste Management Department, working closely with the Waste Management Team as part of a project led by Professor Antonino Sgalambro (University of Leeds) as follows: “Tailored Implementation of a Spatial Decision Support System for optimising Household Waste Recycling Centre networks: Sheffield City Council pilot and wider Local Authority engagement”.
The role will focus on the implementation, calibration, and integration of a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) within SCC systems, as well as supporting training and adoption by council officers to ensure sustainable, long term use.
The successful candidate will have a PhD (or close to completion) in Operations Research or a closely allied discipline plus demonstrable expertise in deterministic optimisation modelling and algorithm development. You may have a track record of successful, high quality publications in journals (ranked 3 or 4 in the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) Academic Journal Guide) and experience of research dissemination. You’ll have strong verbal and written communication skills, good time management, planning and prioritisation capabilities and a proven ability to work well both individually and in a team.
Interviews to be held on 2 September 2026 PM.
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
Health and Wellbeing: A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub hosting staff clubs, events and support services, including discounted staff membership at our state-of-the-art Campus gym, The Edge and a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme.
Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team. Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Prof Antonino Sgalambro, Head of Analytics, Technology and Operations Department.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sheffield employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration between academia and industry. With opportunities for hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful research and innovation initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Join online forums or local meetups related to scientific research in your area. Connecting with fellow researchers and academics can lead to part-time opportunities and give you insights into who's hiring, plus it’s a great way to showcase your passion for the field.
✨Utilise University Connections
If you're a student or recent graduate, tap into your university’s career services or research departments. They often have connections with local labs or companies looking for part-time research assistants – you might just find a role that suits you perfectly!
✨Follow Research Journals and Publications
Stay updated with the latest publications in your area of interest. Many researchers announce opportunities in their articles or on the journals' websites. If you spot a research group doing interesting work, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask if they're open to bringing someone on board part-time.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We've got loads of part-time opportunities in scientific research listed on our website, so make sure to check that out. It’s a straightforward way to apply and find roles that align with your skills and interests, plus we’re always keen on talented individuals like you joining our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Research Skills:For a part-time gig in scientific research like this one at University of Leeds, we want to see how you’ve handled research projects before. Highlight any lab techniques, statistical software, or methodologies you’ve employed. If you’ve contributed to research papers, make sure to mention that as well—it’s a big plus!
Tailor Your CV for the Research Community:When crafting your CV, let's make it specific to the scientific research field. Focus on relevant coursework, technical skills, and any certifications you might have—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or safety training—and don’t forget to list your publications or presentations if applicable. This is your chance to impress us with your academic profile!
Highlight Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, it’s essential to be clear about your availability in your application. Let University of Leeds know how many hours you can commit and when you’re available to start. This shows that you’re organised and ready to jump in without any hassle!
Express Your Passion for Research:In your cover letter, let’s make your enthusiasm for scientific research shine! Talk about what excites you about the field and how joining University of Leeds fits into your career goals. It’s all about showing us that you’re not just looking for a job, but you’re eager to contribute to meaningful research!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
When interviewing for a part-time role in scientific research, be ready to discuss specific research projects you've worked on. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your findings, methodologies, and any publications or presentations. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you've contributed to the scientific community!
✨Get Familiar with Relevant Techniques
Make sure you have a grasp on the technical skills and tools relevant to the specific area of research. Whether it’s lab techniques, data analysis software, or fieldwork methodologies, brush up on these topics as you may be asked to demonstrate your understanding or talk about how you've applied them in your previous experiences.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Part-time roles often open doors for fresh perspectives and new skills. Highlight your eagerness to learn within the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you can manage your time effectively while balancing work and studies, and show how you plan to absorb knowledge from your colleagues at University of Leeds.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Scientific research is often a team effort. Expect to discuss how you work within a team setting, particularly any challenges you've tackled alongside your peers. You might even be presented with a hypothetical scenario during the interview to see how you'd collaborate with the team at University of Leeds. Make sure you have a few examples ready!
