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

RAPID Structures is an EPSRC-funded research project focused on developing novel digital design tools to create more material-efficient buildings and structures. The goal is to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the built environment by "using less stuff". This work is crucial for meeting net-zero commitments and improving the low productivity of the global construction sector.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a software framework for optimization-driven structural design. The methods developed will be designed to overcome the limitations of current topology optimization techniques, such as the difficulty of addressing numerous load-cases and ensuring designs are practical and buildable. The project will also consider holistic design of primary and secondary structure to improve applicability at early stage scheme design where the greatest material benefits are possible.

You will develop methods using mathematical programming approaches such as linear programming, conic programming and mixed integer programming. The work will focus on creating tools that run quickly on everyday hardware, facilitating interactive use in practical design situations.

The successful candidate will collaborate with our Research Software engineers to ensure the long term maintainability of the codebase. They will also liaise with industrial partners to test the framework on real-world scenarios to ensure its applicability.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement mathematical optimization models for structural engineering problems.
• Collaborate with other members of the project team to ensure the long-term maintainability of the codes produced.
• Test these models on practical scenarios, including communicating with industry partners to gather required data. 
• Produce and deliver research outputs, including journal papers, conference presentations and other formats (e.g., software manuals and user guidance).
• Participate in, and present progress reports at, research group meetings and events.
• Undergo appropriate personal and professional development
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification (aim for 8-10 criteria - max 12. Use a max of 2 desirable criteria if needed.)

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 week commencing 10th November. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week after the application closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruiters@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.