Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

Dunhillmedical; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave (including bank/}

Hybrid working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

University of Sheffield's Thermofluids Group invites applicants for a Research Associate position in Biomedical Engineering. The role focuses on designing, assembling, and clinically validating a novel dialyser prototype aimed at improving haemodialysis and patient outcomes.

You will test the prototype with blood-mimicking fluids and human blood, collaborating with renal clinicians and other researchers to translate simulations into physiologically relevant insights and publish results.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Biomedical Engineering or closely related field.
• Hands-on experimental biomedical engineering with prototype hardware.
• Experience with testing medical devices or filtration systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead assembly, tolerances, sealing, and integration of semi-permeable membranes.
• Conduct solute removal tests using blood analogs and real blood to optimize dialyser performance.
• Assess biocompatibility including fibrin, clotting, and haemolysis markers under safety standards.
• Collaborate with clinicians to interpret data and refine device design.
• Maintain rigorous records and contribute to publications and conferences.

Skills

Prototype assembly and testing

Biomedical engineering

Experimental fluid testing

Data analysis

Technical report writing and presents

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Blood compatibility assays

Membrane filtration testing

Ethical procurement of human blood

Job description

Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

Job Title: Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering

Posting Start Date: 06/11/2026

Job Id: 3385

School/Department: Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering

Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Salary per annum (£): 39,560.00 - 48,337.00

Closing Date: 03/12/2026

Overview

Are you a passionate researcher eager to bridge the gap between advanced engineering and clinical practice to tackle a transformative healthcare challenge? We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering for a Research Associate to apply their skills in biomedical engineering to revolutionize haemodialysis and make a profound impact on global health.

You will join the Thermofluids Group at the University of Sheffield, working in close collaboration with experts in the School of Medicine and Population Health and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. As a key member of this interdisciplinary project, you will lead the design, assembly, and clinical validation of a novel dialyser prototype.

You will be responsible for testing the prototype using blood-mimicking fluids and, ultimately, human blood to assess cleaning efficiency, clotting risk, and biocompatibility.

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply fundamental engineering principles to real-world physiological conditions. You will work in close collaboration with two other Research Associates focusing on numerical simulations and experimental fluid dynamics, contributing directly to a greener, more efficient future for nephrology.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the assembly of the prototype, ensuring tight tolerances for spinning components, robust sealing, and integration of semi-permeable membranes. You will troubleshoot technical issues during assembly to ensure the prototype is ready for testing.
• Conduct rigorous solute removal efficiency tests using Human Peripheral Simulated Blood Plasma (BZ464). You will measure the clearance rates of key metabolites, including urea, creatinine, and phosphate, to optimize the operational parameters of the dialyser.
• Manage the ethical procurement and testing of voluntarily donated human blood to assess biocompatibility. You will evaluate the prototype for fibrin strands, check transmembrane pressure, and analyse blood samples for clotting and haemolysis markers, ensuring safety standards are met.
• Work closely with the fluids engineering PDRAs to translate simulation and experimental results into physiological insights. You will actively participate in weekly meetings with renal clinicians at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to interpret data and refine the device design based on clinical feedback.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental methodologies and results in compliance with clinical governance frameworks. You will contribute to the writing of high-impact journal publications, present outcomes at international medical and engineering conferences, and participate in public engagement events regarding sustainable nephrology.
• 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.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD (or nearing completion) in Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related physical science/engineering field.

Essential

Application

Hands‑on experience in experimental biomedical engineering, with proven expertise in designing, assembling, troubleshooting complex prototype hardware, and testing medical devices or filtration systems.

Desirable

Application/Interview

Hands‑on experience handling biological fluids (including blood and blood substitutes), coupled with practical expertise in biochemical analysis and blood compatibility assays such as hemolysis and clotting markers.

Desirable

Application/Interview

Proven ability to conduct high-level scientific research independently.

Essential

Application/Interview

A proven track record of publishing high-quality scientific papers in reputable journals.

Essential

Application/Interview

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including technical report writing and delivering presentations.

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to demonstrate initiative, creativity in problem‑solving, and effective decision‑making.

Essential

Application/Interview

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £39,560 - £48,337

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 16 months (start: 1 March 2027)

Line manager: Principle Investigators

Direct reports: N/A

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK visa and immigration website .

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mac

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Melika Gul, Lecturer in Experimental Fluid Mechanics: [e-mail].

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place shortly after the application closing date. This will consist of a candidate’s presentation on their background and research experience and an interview. A small tour of the campus will also be given, where possible. Full details of this will be provided to shortlisted candidates. We plan to let all applicants know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks 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 Operations at [e-mail].

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

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.