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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 IDEA (Intelligent Design of Engineering Alloys) group at the University of Sheffield. The Research Associate employed through this position will play a pivotal role in optimising the manufacturing of tungsten blanks for hollow cathodes, a critical component in metal additive manufacturing and space propulsion. Working collaboratively with Mars Space Ltd., Wayland Additive and the University of Southampton, the successful candidate will select and refine advanced manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing and spark plasma sintering, oversee the production of high-quality blanks, and conduct rigorous characterisation on the resulting components to understand the effects of manufacturing and their suitability to the intended end use.

With a strong background in materials science, engineering and manufacturing, the ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of characterisation techniques from advanced microscopy techniques to advanced diffraction methods. They will be expected to contribute to the development oof cutting-edge manufacturing solutions that have the potential to revolutionize industrial implementation in space and additive manufacturing methods.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Plan work effectively, including availability of resources (equipment usage), deadlines, project milestones nd overall research aims, and report to line manager(s) on a regular basis.
• Work with industry partners in the programme to define the basic component requirements as well as manufacturability metrics required for viability.
• Familiarise and master the techniques required to manufacture samples.
• Characterise thoroughly the produced components including optical microscopy, electron microscopy, particle shape analysis and X-ray diffraction.
• Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with the industrial partners to understand requirements and support the wider programme.
• Generate regular project update reports and presentations and deliver them to the industrial partners at appropriate technical review meetings.
• Prioritise activities to achieve objectives agrees with the supervisors and project partners.
• Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with the industrial partners that are aiming to increase their LPBF productivity and quality.
• Generate regular project update reports and presentations and deliver them to the industrial partners at appropriate technical review meetings either online or in person, as appropriate.
• Prioritise activities to achieve objectives agreed with the supervisors and project partners.
• 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) and hold a PhD or be close to completion (or have equivalent experience) of a PhD, in materials science, engineering or physical science or any other relevant discipline. (assessed at: application/interview).
• Experience in the underlying principles and operation of characterisation techniques, including sample preparation, optical and electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. (assessed at: application/interview)
• Experience in the underlying principles and operation of advanced metal manufacturing methodologies, with emphasis in powder metallurgy methods. (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving with an appreciation of longer-term implications.  (assessed at: application/interview)
• The ability to write technical reports and scientific papers with minimal supervision. (assessed at: application/interview)
• The ability to self-motivate and meet key project deadlines.
• Experience of working and communicating with a team of staff and in developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout your own work area.  (assessed at: application/interview)

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards. (assessed at: application/interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Duration: Fixed term until 31.03.2026

Line manager: Professor Kathy Christofidou

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe

For informal enquiries about this job contact

Dr Rob Deffley, Project Manager, on robert.deffley@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June 2025. This will consist of a panel 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 Amanda Temple at 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 / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• 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.

Closing Date : 01/06/2025 

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.