Research Associate in Steel Structures and Sustainable Design (KTP Associate)

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield, in partnership with Hadley Group, seeks a Research Associate in Steel Structures to lead a 27‑month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). You will drive experimental testing, advanced modelling and software tooling for lightweight steel systems, based at Hadley Group HQ with regular work at Sheffield ICAIR.

You will collaborate with academia and industry to deliver 15–20% weight reductions and practical design methodologies.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong knowledge of structural engineering and steel systems.
• Experience in finite element analysis with ABAQUS or similar software.
• Experience in planning, conducting and interpreting structural testing and data analysis.
• Programming or computational skills for engineering modelling and tooling.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental methodologies and full‑scale structural testing of cold‑formed steel sections and sheeting‑restrained systems, including instrumentation, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of structural response and failure modes.
• Develop, calibrate and validate nonlinear finite element models in ABAQUS, including material hardening and realistic boundary conditions.
• Undertake AI‑informed surrogate modelling to support rapid prediction of structural performance.
• Develop manufacturing‑aware optimisation methods to identify materially efficient cold‑formed steel profiles and validate them experimentally.
• Translate findings into practical engineering guidance, software workflows and design tools for Hadley Group.

Skills

Finite element analysis

ABAQUS

AI-informed modelling

Data analysis

Structural testing

Programming

Education

PhD in Structural Engineering

Tools

ABAQUS

FEA tools

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

This role is primarily based at our business partner Hadley Group's global headquarters in the West Midlands.

The Structures Group in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, in partnership with Hadley Group, is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Steel Structures to lead the technical delivery of an exciting 27‑month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The project will develop next‑generation lightweight cold‑formed steel systems and validated design and optimisation tools for purlin, cladding and mezzanine applications.

Hadley Group is a global engineering and manufacturing group and a world leader in cold‑rolled steel technology, with more than 700 employees across four countries. The Group combines engineering and manufacturing expertise to deliver innovative solutions across construction, infrastructure, transport, automotive and industrial markets.

You will work at the interface between academic research and industrial application, combining full‑scale structural testing, nonlinear finite element modelling, manufacturing‑aware optimisation and AI‑informed modelling. The project aims to develop lighter, more efficient structural profiles, targeting weight reductions of 15‑20% compared with current solutions, and to translate the research into practical design methodologies and software tools for commercial use.
You will be based mainly at Hadley Group's global headquarters in Smethwick, West Midlands (approximately 20 minutes from Birmingham city centre), with regular work at the University of Sheffield, including experimental testing at the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR), a national research facility applying world‑leading research to the construction and infrastructure sectors. You will work closely with academic supervisors and Hadley engineers, manufacturing and software teams. The role provides substantial responsibility for project delivery and knowledge transfer, together with dedicated KTP training.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop experimental methodologies and undertake full‑scale structural testing of cold‑formed steel sections and sheeting‑restrained systems, including instrumentation, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation of structural response and failure modes.
• Develop, calibrate and validate nonlinear finite element models in ABAQUS, incorporating material strain hardening, geometric imperfections and realistic boundary and loading conditions.
• Undertake parametric studies and develop AI‑informed surrogate modelling approaches to support rapid prediction of structural performance.
• Develop and apply manufacturing‑aware structural optimisation methods to identify materially efficient and practically manufacturable cold‑formed steel profiles, and validate optimised solutions experimentally.
• Quantify the beneficial restraint effects of sheeting systems and contribute to improved design methodologies, including Direct Strength Method‑based approaches, for Hadley products.
• Translate experimental, numerical and optimisation findings into practical engineering guidance, software workflows and design tools suitable for implementation within Hadley Group.
• Embed new knowledge and capability within the business through technical documentation, staff training, workshops and close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing and software teams.
• Disseminate project outcomes through technical reports, industrial engagement, conference presentations and high‑quality journal publications, where appropriate.
• Engage fully with KTP training and personal development activities and work effectively across Hadley Group and University of Sheffield sites.

• Lead the day‑to‑day technical delivery of the KTP project, planning activities, monitoring milestones and risks, and reporting progress to the project supervisory team and Local Management Committee.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

A PhD (or equivalent research and development experience) in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Essential

Application

Strong knowledge and research or industrial experience in structural engineering, with the ability to understand the behaviour and design of steel structural systems.

Essential

Application/interview

Demonstrable experience in finite element analysis and advanced numerical modelling of structural systems; experience with ABAQUS or comparable software.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in planning, undertaking and interpreting structural experimental testing, including instrumentation and data analysis.

Essential

Application/interview

Programming or computational skills suitable for engineering modelling, optimisation, data analysis and/or development of practical digital tools.

Essential

Application/interview

Effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and the ability to present complex findings to academic and industrial audiences.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to plan and manage your own workload, work across multidisciplinary academic and industrial teams, and deliver activities to project milestones and deadlines.

Essential

Application/interview

Knowledge or research experience in cold‑formed steel structures, lightweight steel systems, portal‑frame components or related thin‑walled structural systems.

Desirable

Application/interview

Experience in structural optimisation, AI/machine‑learning‑informed engineering design, surrogate modelling and/or engineering software development.

Desirable

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade Off Scale

Salary £37,700 - £41,000 per annum

Work arrangement Full-time

Duration 27 months

Line manager Knowledge Base Supervisor

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

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Iman Hajirasouliha, Chair in Structural Engineering: on [e-mail]

By applying, you are agreeing that we can share your information with Hadley Group.

Next steps in the recruitment process

Following the closing date, we will contact candidates by email to confirm whether they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process. The selection process is expected to include an interview and presentation.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can [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

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays.
• 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
• 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.