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Overview

The Dynamics Research Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking to appoint a Research Associate with excellent research skills as part of the EPSRC-funded "ROSEHIPS" Programme Grant.

The ROSEHIPS project is focussed on creating new technology for Population-Based Structural Health Monitoring (PBSHM). It is a consortium between the Universities of Sheffield, Cambridge, Exeter and Queen's University Belfast and a large group of industrial partners.

The research work will focus on developing transfer learning technology for PBSHM. Specifically, both kernel-based and neural network methods will be used to transfer diagnostic capability between structures in a population. Bayesian approaches will also be emphasised.

The Research Associate will take a leading role in a specific programme of research focussing on the development of transfer learning for PBSHM. The programme will also involve validation of the methods on populations of laboratory structures in the Laboratory for Validation and Verification. Experiments will be carried out across different environments.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Apply mathematical and numerical modelling tools in order to develop transfer learning methods and apply them to population-based SHM applications.
• Develop kernel-based and neural-network-based technologies for transfer learning and mullti-task learning for the analysis of vibration-based features from structures.
• Experimentally validate the resulting novel methodologies for engineering use cases defined in the ROSEHIPS project. In this case, the focus is on model bridge structures.
• Proactively collaborate with other members of the team, both in Sheffield and more widely, to ensure that the research results have the maximum benefit, including short visits to partners and other forms of interaction.
• Produce high-quality written journal and conference papers of the research results, including, relevant literature surveys, graphs, mathematical analysis, and written text.
• Effectively manage your workload in order to accomplish project goals and tasks on time and to a high standard, including selecting appropriate scientific approaches, and conducting yourself with scientific rigor and integrity.
• Take a leading role in developing new ideas and assist others around to help contribute to the idea generation process.
• Participate in and contribute to all ROSEHIPS project events, including communication of your research results at project meetings and more widely at conferences and outreach events.
• Plan for specific aspects of the research project and contribute to research project planning both locally and more widely across the consortium, ensuring that you have an ongoing plan for your own work, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims.
• Further develop your research skills, including leadership, communication and other transferable skills.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole.
• 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 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.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in January. 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 12th January 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruitment@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.