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 are seeking a passionate researcher to join our world-leading Energy 2050 team. You will contribute to a UKRI-funded project focused on the combustion study of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), specifically investigating the local and global extinction of bluff-body swirl spray flames. In this role, you will utilise laser diagnostics and numerical tools to characterise combustion species, flame temperature, and flow fields in turbulent flames. Your technical expertise will be essential in conducting shock tube measurements and developing chemical kinetics modelling specifically tailored to the unique properties of SAF. A key component of this position involves collaborating with the wider research consortium and international partners, which will require overseas travel. To ensure the project's impact, you will be expected to publish original research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and present your findings at major international conferences, representing the team on the global stage.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Create and maintain documentation for all developed models and experiments
• Develop knowledge through scientific articles with regards to laser diagnostics of flame temperature in turbulent reacting flow, local and global extinction, and combustion characteristics of low-carbon fuels
• Research and conduct shock-tube measurements
• Research and develop benchmark dataset for the swirl spray flames of SAFs
• Undertake problem solving in experimental and/or numerical development
• Collaborate closely with the rest of the team that is working on the chemistry and experimental parts of the project
• Liaise with senior staff to ensure work objectives are always in line with the project goals
• Provide monthly project updates against the project plan
• Active engagement for producing scientific papers and grant proposals
• Communicate findings to all partners and contribute to the quarterly funder reviews
• 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 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 the week commencing 20th April 2026. This will consist of interviews and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 13th April 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-operations@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.