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 a motivated researcher educated to PhD level (or close to completion, or with equivalent experience) to contribute to the development of a system based on Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements to improve early oral cancer diagnosis. This collaborative project will involve investigators from across the University of Sheffield (School of Computer Science, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Clinical Dentistry) and beyond.
Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy- a technique where a small alternating current is passed through the tissue and the resulting impedance measured over a range of frequencies - has previously been applied for detecting cervical pre-cancers. We aim to adapt the EIS for use in oral tissues, specifically to identify potentially malignant precancerous lesions in the mouth.
To facilitate the machine learning model building, the virtual oral tissue models will be developed based on knowledge derived from tissue-engineered constructs developed within the School of Clinical Dentistry. Simulated data produced in Computer Science will augment EIS data collected from these constructs. These machine learning models will be developed from both the simulated EIS data and that collected from tissue-engineered constructs. Finally, a prototype decision support system dedicated to the EIS based oral cancer diagnosis will be produced based on the machine learning models for possible future clinical use.
Main duties and responsibilities
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Participate in the VCR Pioneers Scheme -funded research project "Electric Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and machine learning-based decision support system for early diagnosis of oral cancer".
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Develop machine-learning models of oral tissues from various sites within the mouth, based on both the EIS data from tissue constructs and computer simulated EIS spectra.
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Develop a prototype decision support system dedicated to the EIS based oral cancer diagnosis and implement the system on a dedicated PC for both project demonstration and future applications
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Regularly report to the project team and external collaborators, in the form of oral presentations and written summary documents
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Generate or contribute to regular progress reports as required by the funder.
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Write papers to be submitted to leading conferences and high-quality journals.
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Be actively engaged and participate in meetings and activities relating to the project.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the relevant literature.
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Self-organise time to ensure the achievement of objectives, and to continue to develop your knowledge in the domain of research.
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Effectively collaborate with colleagues, co-workers, partners across departments, schools and disciplines, to achieve the agreed objectives.
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Be involved in outreach or public communication activities, as requested by the project investigators or funder.
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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.
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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 are 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.
Criteria |
Essential or desirable |
Stage(s) assessed at |
A PhD (or be close to completion of a PhD) in engineering/applied mathematics or a related area or have relevant equivalent experience. |
Essential |
Application |
Experience in the following skill areas:
|
Essential |
Application/Interview |
Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals |
Essential |
Application/Interview |
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences |
Essential |
Application/Interview |
Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University |
Essential |
Application/Interview |
Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines |
Essential |
Application/Interview |
Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems |
Essential |
Application/Interview |
Experience of a range of project management approaches |
Desirable |
Application/Interview |
Further Information
Grade |
7 |
Salary |
£38,249 - £46,735 |
Work arrangement |
Full-time |
Duration |
From October 2025 until 28 February 2027 |
Line manager |
Professor Zi-Qiang Lang, Professor of Complex Systems Analysis and Design |
Our website |
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For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Zi-Qiang Lang, Professor of Complex Systems Analysis and Design on z.lang@sheffield.ac.uk. |
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in August 2025. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in August 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-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
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A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
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Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
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Generous pension scheme.
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A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
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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).
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Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
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A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
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A range of generous family-friendly policies
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paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
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support for those going through the menopause
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paid time off and support for fertility treatment
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and more
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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.