The University of Sheffield
Research Associate - FAST Processing and Extrusion of Aerospace Powder
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The University of Sheffield
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
The University of Sheffield are leading an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council project to recycling aerospace waste through field-assisted sintering technology and continuous extrusion that requires pioneering a ground-breaking, distinctive system-level approaches to solid-state processing dedicated to the pressing challenge of maximising the life of high-integrity sector products. Encompassing technical, business model, supply chain, culture, risk, standards and commercial considerations, the STAR group are delivering tighter circularity loops in high-integrity engineering sectors.
This exciting post will work to develop solid-state processing routes from waste streams, and provide feedstock for wire additive manufacturing routes in order to create mechanical properties for new components produced from recycled critical metals.
The research posts will also use equipment in the Henry Royce Institute at The University of Sheffield which is part of the UK’s national centre for advanced materials research, innovation and commercialisation. The Royce works collaboratively with industry and academia to accelerate the innovation of materials systems in order to create economic and societal benefit.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Write a literature review and supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research team, e.g. reports and interim reports.
- Plan research effectively and report to the supervisory team.
- Coordinate and liaise with industrial members of the project team and industry collaborators.
- Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
- Carry research utilising field-assisted sintering and continuous extrusion technologies.
- Undertake finite element modelling of thermomechanical processes.
- Characterise the microstructure of material produced used during solid-state processing trials, using standard metallographic preparation and electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques.
- Utilise appropriate finite element and multi-physics modelling software to support the research deliverables.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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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
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A PhD, or a relevant equivalent qualification, in a science or engineering discipline
Essential
Application
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A strong scientific or engineering background with a broad knowledge of Advanced Materials research, specific expertise in thermomechanical processing, titanium metallurgy and an ability to understand and communicate its key technological aspects
Essential
Application
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Experience of work in multiscale materials modelling
Essential
Application
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Experience of traditional metals processing of titanium and steel in an industrial environment
Desirable
Interview
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Experience in solid-state powder processing and hot forging
Essential
Application
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Experience in interpreting flow stress and field-assisted sintering data
Essential
Application
-
High level of competency in electron microscopy (SEM, EBSD and TEM)
Essential
Application
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Experience in non-destructive evaluation and mechanical testing methods.
Desirable
Interview
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Ability to plan, organise and execute to ensure the production of the agreed deliverables to the project plan
Essential
Interview
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Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to deal with both scientific and commercial issues authoritatively
Essential
Interview
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Self-motivation and the capability of being team player as well as team leader
Essential
Interview
Further Information
- Grade: 7
- Salary: £38,784 - £47,389 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: Fixed-term until 31.03.2027
- Line manager: Professor Martin Jackson
- Direct reports: N/A
Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Martin Jackson on martin.jackson@sheffield.ac.uk.
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Next steps in the recruitment process
The selection process will take place in Sept 2026. This will consist of a panel interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan: 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; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- 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.
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.
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