Research Associate in Protein Processing

RFCSR; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave (41 days)

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Parenting / Caring leave

Job summary

The University of Sheffield seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in proteins as materials to advance protein-templated synthesis and metal oxide sintering.

Work focuses on protein-mediated, low-temperature sintering methods for oxide materials, using protein-mediated assembly to control monolith growth and protein microstructure, accompanied by comprehensive characterization to assess chemical, physical, and functional properties.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in a relevant subject area.
• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomaterials, or a closely related field.
• Right to work in the UK or eligibility under UK Visa & Immigration guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct protein-mediated assembly research to control monolith growth in functional oxide materials.
• Characterize samples and maintain detailed lab logs.
• Collaborate with the PI, co-investigators, and project partners.
• Plan, schedule, and execute experiments to meet project milestones.
• Prepare reports and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Stay current with literature and publish manuscripts.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and CoSHH protocols.
• Embed sustainability and ethical practices in daily work.

Skills

Communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Planning

Education

Honours degree in relevant subject

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Sheffield is seeking an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in proteins as materials to join an exciting interdisciplinary project. Funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) and subject to contract negotiations, this project aims to deliver a step-change in protein-templated synthesis and metal oxide sintering.

Working within a highly skilled research team, the successful candidate will focus on developing protein-mediated, low-temperature sintering methods for complex oxide materials. The role involves utilizing protein-mediated assembly methods to control and direct monolith growth in functional oxide materials, with particular emphasis on generalized methods that control protein microstructure. This research will be supported by a comprehensive suite of characterization techniques to evaluate the chemical, physical, and functional properties of manufactured materials, working closely alongside team members handling synthesis, advanced characterization, and modeling.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct practical research using protein-mediated assembly methods to control monolith growth in functional oxide materials.
• Perform associated sample characterization and analysis, maintaining detailed and accurate logbooks of all experimental work.
• Collaborate closely with the academic Principal Investigator, co-investigators, and project partners.
• Plan, schedule, and execute experimental work and manage project resource requirements to meet key project milestones.
• Prepare project reports and present research findings at internal group meetings, stakeholder sessions, and academic conferences.
• Stay current with scientific literature, journals, and professional publications relevant to the research context.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Adhere to mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures, including CoSHH and standard operating procedures.
• Embed ethical decision-making and the University’s sustainability strategy into daily working activities.

Contract Details & Employee Benefits

• Contract Type: Fixed-Term (Grade 7). End date of 29th February 2028, with the possibility of extension to 31st August 2029 subject to review.
• Benefits: Minimum 41 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days) with options to purchase additional leave; competitive pension scheme; flexible working opportunities; paid leave for parenting, caring emergencies, and fertility treatment; workplace menopause support; and retail discount programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• An honours degree in a relevant subject area (Essential).
• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomaterials, or a closely related field (Essential).
• Right to work in the UK or eligibility under UK Visa & Immigration guidelines.

Required expertise/skills

• Practical experience in polymer or protein processing techniques, such as solubilisation for biomaterial applications (Essential).
• Experience in rheology (Desirable).
• Proven capability in executing standard physical, chemical, and functional characterization techniques for materials (Essential).
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, organize, and execute research tasks to meet tight deadlines (Essential).
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills for academic reporting and presentations (Essential).
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Essential).
• Demonstrated capability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team (Essential).