University of Leeds
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA)
We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to support the development, implementation, and real world adoption of advanced decision support models for the optimisation of Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) networks.
Job Details
- Position Type: Part-time (0.4 FTE, two days per week)
- Duration: Fixed term for 9 months
- Location: Primarily at Sheffield City Council (SCC), Waste Management Department
- Department: Waste Management Team
- Project: Tailored Implementation of a Spatial Decision Support System for optimising Household Waste Recycling Centre networks: Sheffield City Council pilot and wider Local Authority engagement
- Lead: Professor Antonino Sgalambro (University of Leeds)
Responsibilities
The role will focus on:
- Implementation, calibration, and integration of a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) within SCC systems
- Supporting training and adoption by council officers to ensure sustainable, long term use
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Requirements
- PhD (or close to completion) in Operations Research or a closely allied discipline
- Demonstrable expertise in deterministic optimisation modelling and algorithm development
- Track record of successful, high quality, publications in journals (ranked 3 or 4 in the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) Academic Journal Guide)
- Experience of research dissemination
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Good time management, planning and prioritisation capabilities
- Proven ability to work well both individually and in a team
Application Information
- Interview Date: 2 September 2026 PM
Visa Sponsorship
This post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.
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Benefits
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary
- Health and Wellbeing: A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub hosting staff clubs, events and support services, including discounted staff membership at our state-of-the-art Campus gym, The Edge and a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
Contact Information
To explore the post further or for any queries, please contact:
Prof Antonino Sgalambro, Head of Analytics, Technology and Operations Department
Email: A.Sgalambro@leeds.ac.uk
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