Research Associate: Steel Structures & Sustainable Design

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Generous pension

Discounts and rewards

Job summary

The University of Sheffield, in partnership with Hadley Group, invites applications for a Research Associate in Steel Structures to lead a 27-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership. The role combines academic research with industrial application, using testing and AI-informed modelling to develop lighter, efficient structural systems.

You will work mainly at Hadley Group’s Smethwick HQ and at Sheffield's ICAIR, collaborating with engineering teams.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Structural/Civil/Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of steel structural systems.
• Experience in finite element analysis with ABAQUS or similar software.
• Experience in structural experimental testing and data analysis.
• Programming or computational skills for modelling and digital tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage workload and work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of cold-formed steel structures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental methodologies and undertake full-scale structural testing of cold-formed steel sections.
• Develop, calibrate and validate nonlinear finite element models in ABAQUS.
• Lead the day-to-day technical delivery of the KTP project.
• Disseminate project outcomes through reports, conferences and publications.
• Engage with KTP training and cross-site collaboration.

Skills

FEM analysis

Experimental testing

Data analysis

Programming / scripting

Communication skills

Project management

Education

PhD in Structural/Civil/Mechanical Eng

Tools

ABAQUS

Job description

The University of Sheffield, in partnership with Hadley Group, invites applications for a Research Associate in Steel Structures to lead a 27-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership. The role combines academic research with industrial application, using testing and AI-informed modelling to develop lighter, efficient structural systems.

You will work mainly at Hadley Group’s Smethwick HQ and at Sheffield's ICAIR, collaborating with engineering teams.