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 postdoctoral opportunity on an EPSRC-funded project to develop bio-inspired micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensors that will be integrated with autonomous robots and used to assess the condition of buried, operational water supply pipes. This multi-partner interdisciplinary project is based on the development of arrays of microscale neuromasts to sense acoustic velocity and higher order pressure derivatives, mimicking the sensing modality of fish. By detecting pipe failures and early signs of wall damage at the millimetre scale, in any pipe material and down to the smallest network diameters, we will enable the UK water sector to meet its commitment to halve leakage by 2050 from the currently lost trillion litres/year to help ensure that our taps do not run dry.

You will support the design, fabrication and characterisation of a range of MEMS sensors, including cantilever structures with piezoresistive sensors. They will explore manufacturable processes for bionic hair/neuromast manufacture and attachment, and work to improve sensor sensitivity through various modifications to the initial silicon structure, including use of III-V semiconductor resonant tunnelling diodes in both monolithic and heterogeneously integrated (via micro-transfer print) devices. Extensive facilities for fabrication of such structures are available at Sheffield and you will work with these as well as the team at Southampton to develop new processes, collaborating strongly with the wider project team on packaging, electronics and implementation.

We are looking for candidates with expertise in electro-mechanical device design/simulation, practical skills in semiconductor device fabrication and who can demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for development of new sensor technology.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake research in micro-electromechanical systems specifically related to the development of neuromast sensors. 

• Lead efforts to design/simulate a range of sensors based on both silicon and III-Vs

• Perform a range of device fabrication processes including standard lithography/etch/metallisation processes and in support of micro-transfer print and neuromast integration, packaging

• Explore/develop new processes for neuromast formation/attach

• Set up and perform basic sensor characterisation 

• Liaise with other research staff within the multi-partner project team, school, University and wider community as necessary

• Maintain a systematic record of scientific outcomes and experimental processes

• Assist in activities to engage external partners such as visits and demonstration activities

• Organise and record activities subject to guidance from project managers. 

• Assist in writing research publications and support the research team. 

• Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

• Contribute to health & safety management (e.g. compile/update risk assessments and schemes of work), repairs and maintenance management, upgrades, and quality control in collaboration with other colleagues.

• Communicate and report regularly in a professional manner to colleagues

• Participate in regular meetings and video conferences and travel to project partners where appropriate

• 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 week commencing 22 July 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 early July 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

• 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.