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Overview

An exciting opportunity exists within the functional materials research group at the University of Sheffield. The post holder will work on understanding and developing a new range of dielectric ceramics which exhibit a quasi linear response at high field for high energy density applications in power electronics. The project is in collaboration with the Universities of Manchester, Warwick and Pennsylvania State University. Collaborating companies include KAVX Ltd, a European subsidiary of Kyocera AVX Components and Knowles Capacitors, both of whom are leading manufacturers of passive components for the electronics market.

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 and Derek C. Sinclair, Functional Materials & Devices. You will be responsible for the collation of data and producing the first draft of papers for high impact factor journals. Experimental methods will include the fabrication of dielectric ceramics using conventional solid state synthesis, electrical characterisation using impedance spectroscopy and P-E loops, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, fabrication and characterisation of prototype multilayers.

Main duties and responsibilities

The person appointed to this post will be an experimental scientist or engineer with experience in the modelling and fabrication of functional materials. In order of priority:

• 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 dielectric ceramics for high voltage power electronics
• Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with Pennsylvania State University, KAVX and Knowles Capacitors
• 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.
• 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 equivalent experience) in chemistry, physics, materials science or electrical engineering and a PhD (or close to completion) in chemistry, physics, materials science or electrical engineering (assessed at: application/interview).
• Experience in inorganic chemistry and/or ceramics, materials science and defect chemistry of oxides (assessed at: application/interview).
• Knowledge and experience to support delivery of the project aims, such as; (i) solid state characterisation methods, e.g. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal/chemical analysis, (ii) electrical testing, e.g. impedance spectroscopy, LCR, current-voltage behaviour in capacitors (assessed at: application/interview).
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application/interview).
• A commitment to health and safety, and a good understanding of industry health and safety procedures including experience carrying out and documenting risk assessments and COSHH assessments (assessed at: application/interview).

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of advanced characterisation of dielectric ceramics (assessed at: application/interview).
• Experience of managing and leading projects covering multiple aspects and stakeholders (e.g. academic & industry) (assessed at: application/interview).
• Ability to provide guidance and support to University of Sheffield research and project students (assessed at: application/interview).

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: 01.04.25 – 31.12.2027

Line manager: Professor in Functional Ceramics

Direct reports: N/A

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ian Reaney, Professor in Functional Ceramics: on i.m.reaney@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.