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 in the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biological Engineering for someone with a passion for driving advances in sustainable cement chemistry and engineering as relevant to the nuclear sector. It is ideally suited to someone looking to use their skills in chemical engineering, materials science, or another relevant discipline, to make an impact on radioactive waste management.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help us develop geopolymer binders for long-term management and disposal of degraded fuels and contaminated wastes in Japan and UK nuclear sectors. This role involves the development, analysis and validation of cementation technology for the safe treatment and disposal of radioactive wastes arising from the Fukushima Daiichi accident, in collaboration with team members in Japan, as well as decommissioning of the Sellafield site in the UK, in collaboration with Sellafield Ltd. The post holder will develop technology and specifications for metakaolin-based geopolymers as robust and promising stabilisers for radioactive waste disposal.

The post holder will work in the Sustainable Materials at Sheffield (SMASH) research team in the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biological Engineering. This position will be based at the University of Sheffield, and the project is funded by The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, as part of the collaborative UK Japan civil nuclear research programme.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cement chemistry and engineering, or a relevant discipline. They will also be expected to conduct laboratory experiments with caustic solutions and powders including mixing, milling, and thermal treatment. You will perform fresh-state and hardened-state testing and solid-state characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and various types of spectroscopy on raw materials and cement products.

The ideal candidate will also have the opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within the group, assisting with research project management, PhD, masters and undergraduate research student supervision, laboratory management, dissemination of research outputs, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders in this area

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct a laboratory-based investigation on the application of innovative alkali-activated cements to the safe long-term immobilisation of wastes
• Establish and advance current knowledge in the application of cementation to the immobilisation of radioactive wastes, to reduce the hazard posed by the potential release of radioisotopes to the biosphere.
• Design and implement an experimental programme to gain fundamental understanding of the compatibility between the identified waste materials and the candidate cements
• Lead the preparation of progress reports to summarise research findings for the project partners.
•  Lead the interaction with external partners and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborators over work progress.
• Disseminate research findings/results through the production of papers for high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Plan for specific activities of the research project as agreed with the supervisory team.
• Complete all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing, and ethical regulations at all times.
• 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.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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 September 2026. This will consist of an interview (in person or online). If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact 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
• 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.

Baseline personnel security standard This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

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.