At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge research in microscopy and commercialisation of innovative materials.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced materials research while developing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49798 - 57666 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield
Posting Start Date: 03/11/2026
Job Id: 3354
School/Department: Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £49,798 - £57,666
Closing Date: 17/11/2026
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Research Fellow with expertise in inorganic materials processing, a strong background in electron microscopy and experience in commercialisation to join an exciting new interdisciplinary project. The project aims to create a step-change in protein-templated synthesis and sintering of oxide ceramic materials. You will work within a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of researchers, leading research into protein and ceramic characterisation using advanced microscope-based spectroscopic techniques, and perform electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) for other areas of the project. You will also explore and develop commercialisation avenues for the work. You will be instrumental in directing the overall success of the project, contributing practical research alongside reporting, dissemination, and commercialisation (where opportunities arise), working closely with the Project Lead. This role is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Lead protein and ceramic characterisation and perform scanning/transmission electron microscopy and associated sample analysis.
- Lead project commercialisation activities as required.
- Lead exploration and implementation of methods into scalable characterisation & data workflows as directed by the project.
- Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan; this involves planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements for the project.
- Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders. This includes preparing written project reports, giving presentations at project meetings and conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.
- Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
- Review academic literature to contextualise project work within the wider field.
- Keep a detailed and accurate log book of all work.
- Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.
- 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.
- 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 is 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
- PhD in materials chemistry or similar (or equivalent relevant experience) – Essential – Application
- Significant research experience at a postdoctoral level or higher – Essential – Application
- Practical experience of ceramic synthesis and sintering – Essential – Application
- Extensive practical experience using SEM – Essential – Application/interview
- Extensive practical experience using TEM – Essential – Application/interview
- Experience of extended SEM or TEM-based spectroscopic techniques – Essential – Application/interview
- Understanding of the IP generation and protection; experience of handling sensitive third party data and relevant security requirements – Essential – Application/interview
- Experience of the commercialisation process (e.g. spinouts, startups) – Essential – Application/interview
- Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines – Essential – Application/interview
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills – Essential – Application/interview
- Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages – Essential – Application/interview
- Good leadership skills and ability to work in a team – Essential – Application/interview
Further Information
Grade: 8
Salary: £49,798 - £57,666 per annum
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: To 28th February 2028 with potential extension to 31 August 2029 subject to project review
Line manager: Project Lead
Direct reports: Senior Research Technician
Right to work in the UK
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
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.
- 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.
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. 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.
Closing Date: 17/11/2026
Contact: For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Rebecca Boston, Project Lead: on r.boston@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 5496.
Research Fellow in Advanced Microscopy and Commercialisation in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration among its staff. With a commitment to employee development, generous benefits including competitive annual leave, flexible working options, and a supportive environment for personal growth, the university stands out as a place where researchers can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking interdisciplinary projects in a world-class academic setting.
