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Overview

This is an opportunity to join the research group of the UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials, Professor Chris Race, in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The group uses a variety of techniques to develop physically-based modelling tools for the prediction of material properties and performance.

In this role, funded by the Royal Society, you will develop models for efficient prediction of the interaction of alloying elements with grain boundaries in metallic alloys. You will have experience of performing atomistic simulations, an interest in developing analytical and data-driven models, and proficiency in the use of scripting languages for data analysis. You will be a keen communicator, with an interest in supervising post-graduate students and a commitment to reproducible research practices and open science.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake classical molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations of grain boundaries.

• Develop physically-based and data-driven models to link local atomic coordination environments to segregation energies.

• Demonstrate the use of these models to predict the segregation behaviour of solutes in a polycrystal containing general grain boundaries.

• Create and share tools encapsulating the insight from the simulation and analysis.

• Conduct and disseminate your research in line with best practice in open and reproducible research.

• Collaborate effectively with other researchers in the UK materials simulation community.

• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.

• Assist in the supervision of graduate students (PhD, MSc), and undergraduate project students.

• Write scientific reports and articles for publication, as and when required. Typically, this would involve the publication of 1-2 journal or conference papers per year and may also involve writing technical reports for sponsoring organisations.

• Make presentations on the research work carried out to the university and national fusion research networks and at other selected scientific meetings.

• Plan and manage your own research activity and administrative duties in collaboration with others.

• Be aware of and manage risks in the work environment and their potential impact on your own work and that of others.

• 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.

Essential criteria

• A first degree (BSc/Eng or MSc) or equivalent, in physics, mathematics, materials science, engineering or a related subject (assessed at: application)

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in the computational simulation of materials (assessed at: application)

• Demonstrated expertise in the simulation of materials at the atomic scale (assessed at: application/presentation)

• Demonstrated experience of running simulations in a high-performance computing environment (assessed at: application/presentation)

• Demonstrated expertise in the analysis of simulation data using scripting languages such as MATLAB and/or Python (assessed at: application/presentation)

• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of open science and sharing of research data (assessed at: application/interview)

• Excellent communication skills across a range of media and for a range of audiences (assessed at: application/presentation/interview)

• Well-developed interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of people, including staff and students at all levels, and as part of a team (assessed at: application/interview)

• A demonstrated ability to write or contribute to publications in scientific journals (assessed at: application)

• Proven organisational skills and an ability to work with minimal direction and supervision, planning and prioritising own workload (assessed at: application/interview)

Desirable criteria

• Experience of simulation of extended defects in materials (assessed at: application/interview)

• An understanding of the role of microstructure in determining the properties of materials (assessed at: application/interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: 18 months

Line manager: UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials

Direct reports: N/A

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Chris Race, UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials: on christopher.race@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and require reasonable adjustments please contact cmbe-postaward@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

• 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

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.

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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 recognizes and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.