Steel Structures Research Associate (KTP)

Dunhillmedical

Sheffield

Hybrid

GBP 38,000 - 41,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Discounts

Development opportunities

Recognition Awards

Family policies

Job summary

The University of Sheffield, in partnership with Hadley Group, seeks a Research Associate in Steel Structures to drive the KTP project delivering lightweight steel systems and design tools. You will combine experimental testing, nonlinear modelling, and AI‑informed methods to create practical software and guidance for industrial application.

Based mainly at Hadley Group’s Smethwick HQ with regular university site work, you will guide a cross‑disciplinary team and report to the supervisory

Qualifications

PhD (or equivalent) in Structural/ Civil/ Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
Strong knowledge and research or industrial experience in structural engineering, with ability to understand behaviour and design of steel structural systems.
Experience in finite element analysis and advanced numerical modelling; experience with ABAQUS or comparable software.
Experience in planning, undertaking and interpreting structural experimental testing, including instrumentation and data analysis.
Programming or computational skills suitable for engineering modelling, optimisation, data analysis and/or development of practical digital tools.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presenting complex findings.
Ability to plan and manage own workload, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, deliver to milestones.
Knowledge or research experience in cold‑formed steel structures or related thin‑walled systems.
Desirable – Experience in structural optimisation, AI/machine‑learning‑informed design, surrogate modelling and/or software development.

Responsibilities

Develop experimental methodologies and undertake full‑scale structural testing of cold‑formed steel sections and sheeting systems, including instrumentation and data analysis.
Develop, calibrate and validate nonlinear finite element models in ABAQUS with realistic conditions.
Undertake parametric studies and develop AI‑informed surrogate modelling for rapid performance prediction.
Develop manufacturing‑aware structural optimisation methods and validate solutions experimentally.
Quantify restraint effects of sheeting systems and contribute to improved design methodologies.
Translate findings into practical engineering guidance, software workflows and tools for Hadley Group.
Embed knowledge through documentation, training, and collaboration with teams.
Disseminate outcomes via reports, industry engagement, and journals where appropriate.
Engage in KTP training and work across Hadley Group and University of Sheffield sites.
Lead day‑to‑day technical delivery of the KTP project, monitor milestones and risks.