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Overview
We are recruiting a research associate for the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC). The post being advertised for is located in the Management School and a key member of the Advanced Resource Efficiency Centre (AREC), Energy Institute. We are primarily looking for someone with excellent domain knowledge and the ability and desire to work in an interdisciplinary manner in multidisciplinary projects.
This post is for a research associate specialising in dynamic life cycle assessment (LCA) and future supply chain sustainability modelling. The role is part of South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) funded by Research England. The successful candidate will work with Prof Lenny Koh to deliver work package D (WPD) Supply Chain Innovation.
WPD aims to map the supply chain and integrate the criteria for environmental sustainability across the supply chain for projects on decarbonisation of transport, housing and industry in SYSC, thereby supporting sustainable supply chain decision making. It is hypothesised that such integration will improve resilience, productivity and efficiency, leading to lower energy requirements, less waste and reduced costs. Opportunities for energy integration, circular economy and industrial symbiosis will be explored to ensure maximum supply chain innovation and sustainability. New dynamic LCA method, supply chain sustainability digital tool and supply chain innovation analysis will be developed building from the SCEnAT suites framework.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Identify, organise and review appropriate literature, including academic, policy and grey literatures.
- Conduct large scale panel data analysis using data science approaches such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), geo-spatial analysis and so on to predict and forecast future supply chain sustainability.
- Collect data, build database, code and program using e.g. Python, R and so on.
- Develop and conduct dynamic and future supply chain Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) scenario modelling.
- Develop new supply chain sustainability digital tool.
- Perform new supply chain innovation analysis.
- Conduct multiple regression modelling and forecast modelling.
- Critical analysis of data and results using and developing appropriate and advanced methods and tools.
- Write and publish in high quality scientific journals and policy briefs.
- Write future research proposals in related fields.
- Support Professor Lenny Koh and collect impact evidence from industry and policy makers.
- Support the cross-cutting work in WPD, participate and present in meetings, events and conferences.
- Work collaboratively with other researchers and partners.
- Participate in research activities and events, and be available for engagement activities involving e.g. policy makers, businesses and other stakeholders.
- You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the Sheffield Academic'. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University's achievements as a whole.
- 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.
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
- A PhD in a relevant subject area (e.g., operations management, operations research/management science, data science, supply chain management) and on a topic that relates to sustainability, supply chain, life cycle assessment (LCA), modelling and digitalisation (assessed at: application/interview)
- Willingness to acquire knowledge of supply chain sustainability and data science. (assessed at: application/interview)
- Ability to initiate and build relationships and communicate impactfully with people at all levels in both the public and private sectors. (assessed at: application/interview)
- Excellent written journals publication track record and verbal communication skills and ability to convey scientific / technical material and non-technical information. (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)
- Ability to work independently without close supervision and to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements. (assessed at: application/interview)
- Experience of collecting/sourcing/building new digital tools and analysing quantitative large scale data for Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and future supply chain scenario modelling (e.g. panel data analysis, multiple regression, forecasting, geo-spatial technique). (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)
- Experience of AI/ML modelling using advanced methods and tools and ability to develop new modelling methods and tools. (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)
- Experience in supply chain sustainability and data science, with large scale advanced data analytic (e.g. Large Language Model (LLM)) to model, predict and forecast future state of supply chain innovation and policy. (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)
- Self-motivated, able to work to tight deadlines, prioritise workload, and respond to urgent high pressure requests. (assessed at: application/interview)
- Experience of drafting policy briefs and write proposals with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. (assessed at: application/interview)
- Experience in impact evidence collection from industry and policy makers. (assessed at: application/interview)
Desirable criteria
- Familiarity with data sources relevant to supply chain sustainability.
Further Information
Grade: 7
Duration: Fixed-term for a minimum of seven months and a maximum of 12 months depending on full or part time working commitments
Line manager: Professor in Operations Management, Professor Lenny Koh
Direct reports: N/A
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Lenny Koh: on s.c.l.koh@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 5th February 2025. This will consist of a short presentation and an interview, full details will be provided to invited candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 20th January 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mgt.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 process.
Closing Date : 10/02/2025
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.