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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.
Overview
The Steel and Composite Structures Group at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MAC) is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Steel Structures with a strong background in steel structures, large-scale experimental testing, advanced computational modelling and computer programming. The post holder will have a PhD on a relevant subject area and will work on a multi- disciplinary EPSRC funded research project (EP/W027267/1) in collaboration with Imperial College London and the University of Aberdeen. The aim of this innovative project is to develop a new generation of hybrid lightweight structural systems offering cost-effective, sustainable and robust solutions for offsite manufacturing of low- to high-rise buildings. A proven track record of publications in high-quality peer reviewed journals and previous experience in experimental work and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are essential. Proven management, networking and administration skills are also desirable as the post holder will be working in a wide range of academic and interdisciplinary activities.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims, including undertaking finite element modelling, experimental testing, and design studies, generating results and interpreting their implications.
- Analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and complete records of research progress and all findings.
- Prepare papers for journals/presentations at national/international conferences to disseminate research findings.
- Collaborate with other members of the research group and industry partners within the project.
- Co-ordinate own work with that of others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
- Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students.
- Contribute to bids for research grants.
- Attend relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences as necessary.
- Undertake any necessary training and/or development.
- Continuously monitor and assess research output. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
- You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the Sheffield Academic'. These include the achievement of excellence in applied research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University's achievements as a whole. Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: The Sheffield Academic | HR | Staff hub
- 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.
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.
- 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.
Essential criteria
- Have a good honours degree (or equivalent experience) in Civil and/or Structural Engineering or a closely related subject (assessed at: application/interview).
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in Structural Engineering or a closely related subject area (assessed at: application/interview).
- Experience in designing and performing experiments and advanced numerical techniques in steel structures (assessed at: application/interview).
- Knowledge and research experience in steel structures(assessed at: application/interview).
- A proven record of developing high-quality research and publications in high-profile peer reviewed journals (assessed at: application/interview).
- Research planning and project management skills (assessed at: application/interview).
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary research team, show enthusiasm, initiative and possess good interpersonal skills (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities (assessed at: application/interview).
Desirable criteria
- Previous computational and experimental research experience in cold-formed steel structures (assessed at: application/interview).
- Experience in coordinating research projects (assessed at: application/interview).
Further Information
Grade: 7
Duration: Fixed term post for 6 months
Line manager: Chair in Structural Engineering
Direct reports: None.
Our website: School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering | MAC | The University of Sheffield
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Iman Hajirasouliha: on I.hajirasouliha@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 17th Feb 2025. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24th Feb 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-recruiters@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 / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- 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 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.