Research Associate in Oxide Materials Sintering

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work

Pensions

Discounts

Career development

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance protein-mediated low temperature sintering for complex oxide materials. You will work in an interdisciplinary team, shaping project direction, conducting experiments, reporting results, and contributing to dissemination.

This role involves rigorous planning, literature review, and collaboration with academics and partners. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent, with hands-on experience

Qualifications

• PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent experience required.
• Practical experience of ceramic sintering techniques.
• Experience in cold sintering.
• Experience of standard materials characterisation techniques including XRD, SEM, FTIR.
• Experience using SQUID magnetometry for magnetic materials is desirable.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and IT proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of protein-mediated sintering methods.
• Perform associated sample characterisation and analysis.
• Keep a detailed and accurate lab log book.
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet project objectives.
• Follow Health & Safety policies and standard operating procedures.
• Liaise with the principal investigator and collaborators.
• Prepare reports for group meetings and present results.
• Plan and schedule experimental work and resource requirements.

Skills

Ceramic sintering

Cold sintering

XRD

SEM

FTIR

SQUID magnetometry

Scientific reporting

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent

Tools

XRD analysis

SEM analysis

FTIR spectroscopy

Job description

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 an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in inorganic materials sintering to join an exciting new interdisciplinary project. The project aims to create a step-change in protein-templated synthesis and sintering. You will work within a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of researchers to develop protein-mediated low temperature sintering methods for complex oxide materials. You will contribute to the overall direction and success of the project, contributing practical research alongside reporting and dissemination. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

This role will use protein-mediated assembly methods to control and direct monolith growth in functional oxide materials, with a focus on generalised methods which control microstructure. This will be supported by a full suite of standard characterisation techniques to understand the chemical, physical and functional properties of the materials made, and work closely with the synthesis aspect of the work. Other parts of the project will provide advanced characterisation and modelling to boost the mechanistic understanding of our systems.

• Assist with relevant research as directed by the project aims, in conjunction with other project team members, with a focus on development of protein-mediated sintering methods
• Perform associated sample characterisation and analysis as directed by the project.
• Keep a detailed and accurate log book of all work
• Work independently and as a team to meet project objectives
• Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms
• Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
• Prepare reports for group meetings, including presentation of results to others within the project group.
• 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.
• Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to understand the context of the project to the wider literature.
• 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.
• 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.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Application

PhD in materials chemistry or similar (or equivalent relevant experience)

Application

Practical experience of ceramic sintering techniques

Application

Experience in cold sintering

Application/interview

Experience of standard materials characterisation techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR etc

Application/interview

Experience using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry for magnetic materials

Application/interview

Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines.

Application/interview

Excellent written and spoken communication skills

Application/interview

Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages

Application/interview

Ability work independently and as part of a team

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

End date 29th Feb 2028, with the possibility to extend to 31st Aug 2029 subject to review

Line manager

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 & Immigration website.

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Rebecca Boston, Project Lead: on [e-mail] or on 0114 222 5496

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place mid-August. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks after the 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 [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.
• 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.

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.