The University of Sheffield 
Sheffield, United Kingdom Angebotszusammenfassung
The University of Sheffield seeks a Research Fellow in Advanced Microscopy and Commercialisation within the Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering department. This full-time role, funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency, focuses on protein-templated synthesis and sintering of oxide ceramic materials. The successful candidate will lead research using advanced electron microscopy techniques, including SEM and TEM, for characterizing proteins and ceramics. Key responsibilities include driving commercialization opportunities, managing scalable data workflows, and disseminating findings through reports and presentations. Essential qualifications comprise a PhD in materials chemistry or equivalent experience, alongside significant postdoctoral research background. Candidates must possess practical expertise in ceramic synthesis, extensive hands-on experience with SEM/TEM spectroscopic techniques, and a solid understanding of intellectual property protection and commercialization processes such as spinouts. The position offers a salary between £49,798 and £57,666 per annum, with employment lasting until February 2028, potentially extendable to August 2029.
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Projektbeschreibung
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. 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 | Cmbe
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Rebecca Boston, Project Lead: on r.boston@sheffield.ac.uk 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 41days 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.
