Department/School: School of Clinical Dentistry

Contract type: Fixed term (5 months)

Advertising length (weeks): 3

Overview

Are you passionate about sustainability and innovation in digital dentistry? We are inviting applications for a Research Assistant to join a newly funded project in collaboration with industry.

This exciting project aims to introduce environmentally sustainable practices into dental manufacturing pathways via exploring the use of biobased polymers. The team, led by Dr. Ilida Ortega and Professor Nicolas Martin has identified significant sustainability challenges in dental manufacturing workflows that result in the generation of considerable plastic waste.

To address this, the proposed project will evaluate plant-based, recyclable 3D-printing filaments as a sustainable alternative to conventionally used dental resins. The study will compare the performance of biobased models with current materials, assessing accuracy of fit, surface resolution, roughness and hardness using validated protocols developed in Dr. Ortega’s laboratory (Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024 Jun;10(3):e880).

You will join a vibrant and collaborative research group, gaining valuable experience in:

● Sustainable materials evaluation and additive manufacturing workflows

● Dental digital design and fabrication techniques

● Research translation and collaboration with industry partners

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds, including materials science, dentistry, biomedical engineering and manufacturing, who are eager to make a tangible impact on sustainability in manufacturing and healthcare.

Main duties & Responsibilities:

• Support material evaluation by fabricating dental models using plant-based, recyclable 3D-printing filament and conventional resin-based materials.

• Conduct laboratory testing to assess mechanical performance, dimensional accuracy, surface resolution and surface roughness of all the manufactured models.

• Generate comparative performance data to create a clear technical benchmark of sustainable versus conventional materials.

• Contribute to project deliverables including technical reports, performance data sheets and recommendations for future research (such as lifecycle assessments and recycling strategies).

• Engage in knowledge exchange activities to raise awareness of sustainable 3D-printing materials within dentistry, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

• Support dissemination of findings through publications, presentations and targeted events to promote the adoption of more environmentally-friendly materials and strengthen academia–industry partnerships.

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 are respected. Even if your 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

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 4 weeks of the application submission date.  This will consist of an interview and presentation, the title of which will be provided to all shortlisted candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the close of the application process.  If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Young on j.l.young@sheffield.ac.uk who will be able to assist..

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.