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

Are you a passionate researcher eager to bridge the gap between advanced engineering and clinical practice to tackle a transformative healthcare challenge? We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering for a Research Associate to apply their skills in biomedical engineering to revolutionize haemodialysis and make a profound impact on global health.

You will join the Thermofluids Group at the University of Sheffield, working in close collaboration with experts in the School of Medicine and Population Health and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. As a key member of this interdisciplinary project, you will lead the design, assembly, and clinical validation of a novel dialyser prototype.

You will be responsible for testing the prototype using blood-mimicking fluids and, ultimately, human blood to assess cleaning efficiency, clotting risk, and biocompatibility.

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply fundamental engineering principles to real-world physiological conditions. You will work in close collaboration with two other Research Associates focusing on numerical simulations and experimental fluid dynamics, contributing directly to a greener, more efficient future for nephrology.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the assembly of the prototype, ensuring tight tolerances for spinning components, robust sealing, and integration of semi-permeable membranes. You will troubleshoot technical issues during assembly to ensure the prototype is ready for testing.
• Conduct rigorous solute removal efficiency tests using Human Peripheral Simulated Blood Plasma (BZ464). You will measure the clearance rates of key metabolites, including urea, creatinine, and phosphate, to optimize the operational parameters of the dialyser.
• Manage the ethical procurement and testing of voluntarily donated human blood to assess biocompatibility. You will evaluate the prototype for fibrin strands, check transmembrane pressure, and analyse blood samples for clotting and haemolysis markers, ensuring safety standards are met.
• Work closely with the fluids engineering PDRAs to translate simulation and experimental results into physiological insights. You will actively participate in weekly meetings with renal clinicians at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to interpret data and refine the device design based on clinical feedback.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental methodologies and results in compliance with clinical governance frameworks. You will contribute to the writing of high-impact journal publications, present outcomes at international medical and engineering conferences, and participate in public engagement events regarding sustainable nephrology.
• 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 shortly after the application closing date. This will consist of a candidate’s presentation on their background and research experience and an interview. A small tour of the campus will also be given, where possible. Full details of this will be provided to shortlisted candidates. We plan to let all applicants know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks after the application 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 Mac Operations at mac-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 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.