Research Fellow in Advanced Microscopy and Commercialisation

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Ibrido; GBP 50.000 - 58.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Flexible working

Hybrid option

Generous pension

Staff discounts

Descrizione del lavoro

The University of Sheffield seeks a highly experienced Research Fellow with expertise in inorganic materials processing, electron microscopy and commercialisation for an interdisciplinary project. You will lead protein and ceramic characterisation using advanced microscopy and explore commercialisation avenues while reporting and disseminating findings.

Working within a skilled team, you will plan experimental work, supervise junior staff, ensure safety, maintain detailed records and align

Competenze

• PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent required.
• Significant postdoctoral level research experience.
• Experience with ceramic synthesis and sintering is essential.
• Extensive SEM experience and TEM experience are essential.
• Experience with extended SEM/TEM-based spectroscopic techniques is essential.
• Understanding IP generation and protection; handling sensitive data.
• Experience with the commercialisation process (spinouts/startups).

Mansioni

• Lead protein and ceramic characterisation and perform SEM/TEM analyses.
• Lead project commercialisation activities as required.
• Develop scalable characterisation and data workflows as directed by the project.
• Plan experiments, resource requirements and scheduling with project members.
• Disseminate research findings through reports, presentations and manuscripts.
• Liaise with the principal investigator and collaborators.
• Review literature to contextualise project work.
• Maintain detailed log books and ensure safety policies are followed.
• Support the university sustainability strategy in daily activities.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the post.

Conoscenze

Leadership

Communication

Project planning

Formazione

PhD in materials chemistry

Strumenti

SEM

TEM

Spectroscopy

Descrizione del lavoro

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 a highly experienced Research Fellow with expertise in inorganic materials processing, a strong background in electron microscopy and experience in commercialisation to join an exciting new interdisciplinary project. The project aims to create a step-change in protein-templated synthesis and sintering of oxide ceramic materials. You will work within a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of researchers, leading research into protein and ceramic characterisation using advanced microscope-based spectroscopic techniques, and perform electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) for other areas of the project. You will also explore and develop commercialisation avenues for the work. You will be instrumental in directing the overall success of the project, contributing practical research alongside reporting, dissemination, and commercialisation (where opportunities arise), working closely with the Project Lead. This role is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.

Main duties and responsibilities

This role will provide cross-cutting research for the key aims of the project through advanced electron microscopy (scanning and transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques), alongside leading commercialisation opportunities for the work.

• Lead protein and ceramic characterisation and perform scanning/transmission electron microscopy and associated sample analysis.
• Lead project commercialisation activities as required.
• Lead exploration and implementation of methods into scalable characterisation & data workflows as directed by the project.
• 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.
• 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.
• Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
• Review academic literature to contextualize project work within the wider field
• Keep a detailed and accurate log book of all work.
• Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.
• 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.

• PhD in materials chemistry or similar (or equivalent relevant experience) Essential
• Significant research experience at a postdoctoral level or higher Essential
• Practical experience of ceramic synthesis and sintering Essential
• Extensive practical experience using SEM Essential
• Extensive practical experience using TEM Essential
• Experience of extended SEM or TEM-based spectroscopic techniques Essential
• Understanding of the IP generation and protection; experience of handling sensitive third party data and relevant security requirements Essential
• Experience of the commercialisation process (e.g. spinouts, startups) Essential
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines. Essential
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills Essential
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages Essential
• Good leadership skills and ability to work in a team. Essential

Further Information

• Grade: 8
• Salary: £49,798 - £57,666 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Duration: To 28th February 2028 with potential extension to 31 August 2029 subject to project review
• Line manager: Project Lead
• Direct reports: Senior Research Technician
• 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

  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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  Closing Date :17/11/2026

  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.