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 highly experienced Research Fellow with expertise in inorganic materials processing, a strong background in electron microscopy and experience in commercialisation to join an exciting new interdisciplinary project. The project aims to create a step-change in protein-templated synthesis and sintering of oxide ceramic materials. You will work within a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of researchers, leading research into protein and ceramic characterisation using advanced microscope-based spectroscopic techniques, and perform electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) for other areas of the project. You will also explore and develop commercialisation avenues for the work. You will be instrumental in directing the overall success of the project, contributing practical research alongside reporting, dissemination, and commercialisation (where opportunities arise), working closely with the Project Lead. This role is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.

Main duties and responsibilities

This role will provide cross-cutting research for the key aims of the project through advanced electron microscopy (scanning and transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques), alongside leading commercialisation opportunities for the work.

• Lead protein and ceramic characterisation and perform scanning/transmission electron microscopy and associated sample analysis.

• Lead project commercialisation activities as required. 

• Lead exploration and implementation of methods into scalable characterisation & data workflows as directed by the project.  

• Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan; this involves planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements for the project. 

• Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders. This includes preparing written project reports, giving presentations at project meetings and conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.

• Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.

• Review academic literature to contextualize project work within the wider field

• Keep a detailed and accurate log book of all work.

• Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.

• 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

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.

• 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.

Closing Date : 17/11/2026 

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.