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

Do you have a passion for sustainable production of chemicals & plastics? Are you someone who thrives on analytical challenges and values precision? Are you enthusiastic about working at the intersection of industry and academia?  We are looking for three enthusiastic researchers with strong motivation and a track record of successful collaboration in sustainable engineering to join our team as a Research Associate in Regional Plastics and Chemical Systems Decarbonisation at the University of Sheffield. 

You will be an integral part of our vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary team. Your primary focus will be on conducting whole systems modelling for resource efficiency and decarbonisation for plastics and chemical systems. Our ambition is to plot a path for the petrochemicals industry through net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions to a future that mitigates climate change by reversing our carbon trajectory.  Your work will involve crafting a comprehensive repository of data and greenhouse gas emission mitigation strategies that address the pressing environmental challenges faced by the chemical industry in different regions.  This is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to innovative research and work alongside a world-class interdisciplinary team.

• Research Associate 1: Chemical process modelling with artificial intelligence
• Research Associate 2: Life cycle assessment of plastics and chemical systems
• Research Associate 3: Renewable chemical for decarbonisation

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop a model of petrochemical production processes relevant to specific regions
• Map regional flows of chemicals and plastics
• Alternative carbon sources for renewable chemicals
• Develop dynamic stock and flow tools to anticipate future demand for chemicals/plastics and the availability of waste products.
• Model greenhouse gas emissions of chemicals and plastics and develop regional scenarios for decarbonisation.
• Liaise and network with the interdisciplinary research team and academic/industrial partners.
• 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

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Chemical or Process Engineering, Materials Science or  Chemistry assessed by Application.
• Knowledge and experience in: life cycle environmental assessment, emissions accounting or other topics and tools of Industrial Ecology assessed at Application/interview.
• Knowledge and experience in modelling and resource analysis; use of Python, MATLAB or other appropriate programming languages assessed at Application/interview.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and present complex information to diverse stakeholders assessed at Application/interview.
• Evidence of potential to produce high-quality research outputs and experience of developing own models and tools assessed at Application/interview.
• Experience in managing own workload, balancing multiple projects, sticking to deadlines and the ability to constantly update knowledge assessed at Application/interview.
• Ability to develop creative approaches to scientific problem solving, often based on the latest developments in the field as described in the scientific literature assessed at Application/interview.
• Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area assessed at Application/interview.

Desirable criteria

• Provide specialist guidance and support and act as mentor/coach, which may involve training and/or identifying development needs for others, to support their occupational development assessed at Application/interview.

Further Information

Grade:7 £37,999 - £46,485

Duration: Fixed term until 31st December 2027

Line manager: Dr Fanran Meng

Direct reports: Dr Fanran Meng

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Rachel Fearon, Senior Research Support Officer: on mailto:cbe-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 18 and 20 February 2025. This will consist of interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10 February 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cbe-recruiters@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.

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.