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

The aviation sector is undergoing a revolution, driven by the demand for green transformation and supported by advances in smart technologies. Our previous research has demonstrated that optimising the power commands sent to gas turbine engines is effective at safety improving the sustainability of flight routes. We want to take this into reality by creating compelling demonstrations of the technology to share with potential customers.

This EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account‑funded project focuses on deploying advanced dynamic optimisation algorithms on embedded hardware to demonstrate their benefits in reducing energy consumption and extending the operational lifespan of gas‑turbine engines. Working with a Research Software Engineer, you will also support the development of the graphical user interface to assist the decision-making of flight crews. Towards the end of the project, you will lead the work on demonstrating the workflow and benefits on a representative flight simulator to support industrial take-up.

The Research Assistant will work in close collaboration with the Rolls‑Royce‑supported University Technology Centre (RR‑UTC) in Control, Monitoring and Systems Engineering at the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Sheffield. The RR‑UTC is uniquely devoted to developing next‑generation control and monitoring systems for power and propulsion and has a strong track record of innovation.

As a Research Assistant you will need a good knowledge of dynamic optimisation, optimisation‑based control and their software implementation. Experience in the MATLAB/Simulink development environment is essential; familiarity with wider optimisation methods would be an advantage. These skills will support methodological development, performance analysis, testing and validation activities that form part of the project deliverables. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Plan and execute research in accordance with the project aims and in collaboration with staff from the University and Rolls-Royce.

• Create/adapt dynamic optimisation algorithms and deploy these on embedded platforms

• Working with the Research Software Engineer on the project, design the graphical user interface to assist the decision making of flight crews

• Manage and pre/post-process optimised flight solutions for direct usage in modern avionics (e.g. flight management systems), and demonstrate the workflow on a representative flight simulator. 

• Manage software with appropriate source-control tools

• Perform background research to understand the current state of the art and trial appropriate techniques from the scientific literature

• Contribute to production of academic papers

• Write progress reports for industrial collaborators and meet any other reporting obligations.

• Liaise closely with the UTC, University and Rolls-Royce staff both on and off-site, travelling

• as necessary to support project activities.

• Provide verbal presentation of results along with supporting material.

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings.

• Maintain awareness of current related research within the field.

• Provide technical guidance and assistance to other members of staff and students

• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• 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 are 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

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in mid May. This will consist of an interview with a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 25 May. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-operations@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 38 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.

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.