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

The Knowledge Transfer Network Limited; Smethwick; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Hadley Group is seeking a Research Associate (KTP Associate) to advance steel structures and sustainable design. The role spans experimental testing, ABAQUS-based modelling, and AI-informed surrogate modelling, with collaboration across Hadley Group and the University of Sheffield.

You will help develop lighter, more efficient steel profiles and deliver practical design tools, documentation, and knowledge transfer across teams and sites in Smethwick and Sheffield.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in structural engineering or related field.
• Experience with full-scale testing and instrumentation.
• Strong modelling skills in finite element analysis and materials.
• Experience with AI-informed surrogate modelling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental methodologies and undertake full-scale structural testing of steel sections and systems.
• Develop and validate nonlinear finite element models in ABAQUS.
• Undertake parametric studies and surrogate modelling to aid rapid prediction of structural performance.
• Translate findings into design tools, software workflows and guidance for Hadley Group.

Skills

Experimental testing

Finite element modelling

Data analysis

AI-informed surrogate modelling

Education

PhD in structural engineering

MSc in a relevant field

Tools

ABAQUS

Python scripting

MATLAB

Job description

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

• 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

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.

About the business

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.