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 (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to work with the University of Sheffield and Cocooncarbon Ltd on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to take a leading role in optimising reactivity and long-term performance of a novel, low-carbon SCM developed by the KTP Company Partner Cocoon Carbon from processed electric arc furnace slag (CocoonEAFS).

Cocoon is helping rebuild the circular economy between steel and cement by turning EAF slag into a low-carbon supplementary cementitious material. Cocoon is backed by leading climate and hardware tech investors, including 2150, Brick & Mortar, Gigascale, Wireframe, and Celsius Industries. In under two years, Cocoon has gone from concept to deploying their breakthrough technology at one of the largest steel producers in the US. This role will deliver critical knowledge for delivering a technically sound product to market in the next two years.

A KTP role is a unique opportunity to bridge between industry and academia where you take personal ownership of a project and transfer technical knowledge within a company. An opportunity to work on cutting edge technology with real world applications.

It is ideally suited to someone looking to use their skills in chemical, process, civil, or structural engineering, materials science, or another relevant discipline, to make an impact on resource efficiency and materials circularity within the built environment, supporting the UK’s transition to a circular economy.

An important part of this role is your personal development. Being a KTP, a generous associate development budget of £4,000 is available to assist candidates in their continued professional development. There is also the opportunity to undertake a tailored training residential at Ashorne Hill.

Although the post holder will be employed by the University of Sheffield they will be predominantly based at Cocooncarbon Ltd, Ealing, London and may be required to work from Sheffield occasionally.

Terms and conditions of employment will be those of the University of Sheffield, with the exception of hours of work and annual leave which will be those of Cocooncarbon Ltd. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design and implement a programme of work to gain fundamental understanding of the reactivity and long-term performance of a novel, low-carbon SCM based on proceed EAFS.
• Prepare progress reports to summarise research findings for the project partners.
• Coordinate and drive the interaction with internal and external partners, both in the UK and internationally, and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborators over work progress.
• Disseminate research findings/results through the production of papers for high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals, and presentation either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars, upon agreement with project partners.
• Assist with administrative tasks in the project and with student supervision and training.
• Plan for specific activities of the research project as agreed with the supervisory team.
• Complete all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing, and ethical regulations at all times.
• 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.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

Following the closing date, we will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave
• 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
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.