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 Blast and Impact Engineering research group at the University of Sheffield is seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance our understanding of explosive blasts in complex environments. While the effects of energy release in open air are well-documented, real-world scenarios often involve interactions with surrounding materials that significantly alter how energy is transferred to the environment. Our mission is to bridge this knowledge gap to enhance the protection of people and infrastructure through more resilient design.

We are looking for a methodical and collaborative researcher to lead the design and implementation of both experimental and computational modelling studies. In this role, you will develop innovative diagnostics to measure how various media influence energy development and structural responses under extreme loading conditions. As a vital member of our team, you will be a clear and effective communicator who can translate technical data into meaningful project updates and contribute to the growth of the group through grant writing and problem-solving. This position offers the opportunity to apply high-level experimental and modelling skills to a field dedicated to improving global safety standards and engineering resilience.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Successful delivery of the project as described above.
• Design and implementation of the experimental studies and modelling approaches required to achieve the above.
• Processing data and preparing project deliverables to funding body, including report writing.
• Managing the experimental budget and reporting costs to the funding body.
• Involvement in wider research group activities including PhD supervision and funding applications.
• 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 on the week commencing 30th March 2026. This will consist of a presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 23rd March 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 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.

Closing Date : 25/03/2026 

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.