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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.
A fully funded 6-months opportunity is available at the University of Sheffield in the field of solar water purification, funded by Grantham Center for Sustainable Futures.
The project aims to develop a compact water-purification device aimed at using visible light to kill bacteria in water.
The researcher will be responsible for synthesis of polymer scaffolds and proprietary photosensitisers, upscaling the device and conducting bacterial assays. The position involves conducting experiments, analysing data, and designing and implementing a more sustainable device utilising cheaper materials. The work is a collaboration between Prof Julia Weinstein (Chemistry), Prof Frederik Claeyssens and Dr Esther Karunakaran (Chemical, Material and Biological Engineering), and an industrial partner. The project requires a high degree of independence and initiative.
Main duties and responsibilities
- The researcher will be responsible for the following methodologies and techniques:
- Synthesis of high porosity polymers;
- Scaling up a device for water purification (design is currently commercially sensitive);
- Testing the device efficiency using bacterial assays.
- Providing leadership as a professional scientist, including supporting/mentoring other students.
- Collaborating with the project's partners in industry.
- 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 are 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 |
A PhD degree or equivalent on chemistry, biochemistry, materials science or equivalent | Essential | Application/interview |
Synthetic skills | Essential | Application / interview |
Problem-solving | Essential | Application / interview |
Interpersonal skills, necessary to communicate with biologists, chemists, engineers and technical professionals | Essential | Application / interview |
Project management skills | Desirable | Application / interview |
Bacterial culture and cell viability assays | Desirable | Application / interview |
Further Information
Grade | 6.5 |
Salary | £35,608 |
Work arrangement | Full-time |
Duration | The project must be completed by 30 July 2026. |
Line manager | Professor of Physical Chemistry |
Direct reports | N/A |
Our website | https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps |
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Julia Weinstein, Professor of Physical Chemistry: on julia.weinstein@sheffield.ac.uk |
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in February 2026. This will consist of a presentation, an interview, and a discussion with questions & answers. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-hr@sheffield.ac.uk .
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; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- 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 Employer. 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 proc
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.