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

In collaboration with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory this role will include the fabrication of active vitrified wasteform simulants. Following manufacture of uranium containing glasses the post holder will analyse their chemical and physical properties including glass transition temperature, viscosity and durability.  

The post holder should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in materials or an appropriate physical science. They should have strong practical laboratory skills including thermal treatment (ideally glass making), aqueous phase analysis and solid state characterisation techniques. They will also require knowledge and experience of radioactive waste immobilisation in glass materials. This post would be ideal for a proactive researcher with good time management skills and independent working who can deliver project outcomes on time. They will also require excellent communication skills for liaising with industry partners throughout the project.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manufacture uranium containing glasses of compositions defined by the industrial sponsors UKNNL 

• Characterise these glasses to determine properties including their density, viscosity, glass transition temperature and durability. 

• Follow ASTM standard protocols to conduct Soxhlet and PCT-B durability tests ensuring high data quality and reproducibility. 

• Conduct visual inspections of the glasses by light microscope and SEM

• Communicate findings both verbally and in writing to industrial sponsors UKNNL

• Ensure the timely completion of final and interim project reports

• Travel to UKNNL facilities (potentially including those in Cumbria) for project meetings if necessary. 

• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborators over work progress. 

• Plan and manage dissemination of project results. 

• Assist the investigators in managing grant finances. 

• Initiate necessary materials / equipment purchase requisition. 

• 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 week beginning 15/06/26. This will consist of an interview and opportunity to view the Sheffield laboratories. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 15/06/26. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@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

  • access to menopause support in the workplace

  • 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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.