Research Fellow in Advanced Microscopy and Commercialisation

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous pension

41 days annual leave

Staff networks

Job summary

University of Sheffield in Sheffield seeks a Research Fellow in Advanced Microscopy and Commercialisation to join an interdisciplinary project on inorganic materials processing and protein-templated synthesis. You will lead SEM/TEM characterisation and drive commercialisation activities, while planning experiments and mentoring collaborators.

The role combines hands-on microscopy with strategic duties, reporting, dissemination, and collaboration with the Project Lead; it is a hybrid, fixed-term

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in materials chemistry or related field.
• Postdoctoral experience and research excellence required.
• Experience with ceramic synthesis and sintering is essential.
• Proven SEM and TEM experience and spectroscopy expertise.
• IP generation and protection; data security understood.
• Experience with commercialisation (spinouts/startups) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead protein and ceramic characterisation and SEM/TEM analysis.
• Advance project commercialisation activities as required.
• Develop scalable characterisation/data workflows as directed.
• Plan experiments and allocate resources to meet milestones.
• Disseminate findings to staff and stakeholders; prepare reports.
• Coordinate with Project Lead and investigators across teams.
• Review literature to contextualise work within the field.
• Maintain detailed lab logs and follow safety policies.

Skills

Excellent written and spoken English

Excellent IT skills

Leadership

Project planning and delivery

Teamwork

Education

PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent

Tools

SEM

TEM

Spectroscopic techniques

Job description

Research Fellow in Advanced Microscopy and Commercialisation

Location: Sheffield

Posting Start Date: 03/11/2026

Job Id: 3354

School/Department: Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering

Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Salary per annum (£): £49,798 - £57,666

Closing Date: 17/11/2026

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

• 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 contextualise 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

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

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

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

Contact

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Rebecca Boston, Project Lead: on r.boston @sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 5496