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

An exciting opportunity exists within the Ceramic and Glass group at the University of Sheffield. The post holder will work on validating AI predicted functional ceramics and glass compositions for applications as lead-free piezoelectrics, high energy density ceramics and low network modify glass compositions for packaging applications in telecommunications. The candidate will work as part of the wider consortium in a €6 million Horizon Europe project (Simulingua), aimed at developing and validating next-generation AI-powered materials discovery tools.

As the research associate, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the project to ensure its goals are achieved and will report to Profs Ian M. Reaney (lead), Derek C. Sinclair and Russell Hand. The successful applicant will be responsible for the collation of UoS data for the consortium and producing the first draft of papers for high impact factor journals. Experimental methods will include the fabrication of dielectric ceramics and glasses, electrical characterisation using impedance spectroscopy, P-E loops and MW measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Plan work effectively, including availability of resources (equipment usage), deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims, and report to line manager(s) on a regular basis. 

• Fabricate and characterise ceramics and glass predicted by AI based materials discovery.

• Carry out laboratory experiments such as X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron microscopy.

• Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with Simulingua consortium members.

• Generate regular project update reports and presentations and deliver them at technical review meetings and at seminars and conferences.

• Prioritise activities to achieve objectives agreed with the supervisors and project sponsors. 

• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant literature.

• Abide by the required health and safety culture and regulations expected within the UoS and its associated laboratories.

• Guide and support UG and PG project students in their laboratory work as required.

• 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

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in May. This will consist of an interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after the closing date. 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

• 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

  • 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 (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.