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

We have an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for battery technology looking to use their skills in experimental design and safety testing to evaluate the unique hazards of Li-ion battery used in performing arts theatres. You will play a key role in producing data and media of battery hazards in this sector to inform the project partner’s development of industry-wide guidance for the safe development, use and storage of LIBs.

The role involves leading the experimental design to efficiently evaluate the hazards of different Li-ion battery chemistries under different abuse scenarios for specific theatre use cases. Using your practical laboratory experience, you will safely undertake abuse testing of different Li-ion contain theatre prop to evaluate their hazards under the different scenarios outlined in the design of experiments. Through these skills you will provide essential support to the Brown Group helping to ensure the reputation of the University by advancing our battery safety research portfolio.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to apply your skills to novel engineering question and develop innovative thinking and problem solving skills to overcome the challenge; and interact closely with industry to have direct impact on the sector leading to improved health and safety.

You will join Dr Solomon Brown’s (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/academic-staff/solomon-

brown) group within our large and diverse academic School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. Your standing and approaches will further strengthen our strong international research profile and our reputation for novel, research-led teaching. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design an experimental regime and testing methods for battery safety testing of assessing the safety of Li-ion containing theatre props

• Carry out experimental testing according to the experimental regime

• Record and document findings in a scientific and traceable manner

• Work closely with the industrial partner to ensure the project goals are met

• Plan and manage your own workload, with guidance from colleagues as required.

• 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 on 22nd September 2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 15th September 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Carla Teale at c.teale@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.