Overview

An exciting opportunity for Postdoctoral Researchers exists within the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. 

The University of Sheffield are partners in the ReMake Value Retention Centre (RVRC) – a £10m research centre led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) supported by UKRI.  RVRC which is pioneering a ground-breaking, distinctive system-level approach, dedicated to the pressing challenge of maximising the life of high-integrity sector products. Encompassing technical, business model, supply chain, culture, risk, standards and commercial considerations, RVRC is delivering tighter circularity loops in high-integrity engineering sectors.

The two posts will work to develop digital tools and inspection processes in order to create microstructure fingerprints in order to predict service life and critical mechanical properties for new components produced from recycled critical metals.

The research posts will also use equipment in the Henry Royce Institute at The University of Sheffield which is part of the UK’s national centre for advanced materials research, innovation and commercialisation. The Royce works collaboratively with industry and academia to accelerate the innovation of materials systems in order to create economic and societal benefit.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Write a literature review and supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research team, e.g. reports and interim reports. Carry out administrative roles as required.
• Plan research effectively and report to supervisory team.
• Coordinate and liaise with industrial members of the project team and industry collaborators.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Characterise the microstructure of material produced used during solid-state processing trials, using standard metallographic preparation and electron backscatter diffraction techniques.
• Classify and characterise microstructural defects during the machining process, with a view to devising tooling and parameter modifications.
• Carry out analytical modelling and finite element modelling to understand the effect of microstructure on machining response.
• Carry out mechanical testing and characterize material for process feedback.
• 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

The selection process will take place in October 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.