Overview

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design and build of test apparatus for high speed, water lubricated, electric field rolling bearing testing.

• Installation of instrumentation and building of control and sensor system interfaces.

• Plan and carry out laboratory experiments, processing of results, and analysis. Including surface analysis measurements with microscopy, profilometry, and SEM.

• Liaising with and reporting to industrial and academic partners during the project.

• Write-up aspects of the work for journal publication.

• Presentation of results at conferences, and other means of dissemination.

• Management of project resources and monitoring progress.

• 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

• Have a good honours degree (or have equivalent experience) in mechanical engineering or other relevant discipline

• Have completed, or be about to complete, a PhD in mechanical engineering or a relevant discipline

• Experience of designing tribological or similar rotating machinery test apparatus and conducting experiments

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time in a research context

• Ability to manage a research project and keep track of resources and delivery to timescale

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

• Technical (academic publication) writing skills

Desirable criteria

• Experience of instrumenting test apparatus with sensors and building interfaces (e.g. NI LabVIEW or similar).

• Experience of analytical modelling of tribological contacts and processes 

• Experience of surface analysis techniques (such as SEM, EDX, Raman)

• Experience of working effectively in a collaborative research environment involving multiple researchers, multiple investigators, and industry partners

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: 3 years fixed term

Line manager: Professor Rob Dwyer-Joyce 

Direct reports: None

Our website: www.sheffield.ac.uk

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Nick Hughes, Senior Research Support Officer: on n.j.hughes@sheffield.ac.uk 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the W/C 17th March . This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10th March. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Nick Hughes

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; 

• 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.