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
Synthotech is a leading British utility engineering company, focused on developing products and services for the global utility and infrastructure markets. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. For over two decades we've led the way in driving significant advancements in the exploration and maintenance of under pressure pipework. From the day we were established, our values have always remained the same: we believe that longstanding relationships are built on respect, belief, trust, confidence and reward and these five principles continue to be the cornerstones of everything that Synthotech stands for. We're proud of our reputation and the fact that today, we're trusted by some of the most significant gas network owners in the world. https://synthotech.com/ .
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Vibro-acoustics and Robotics Sensing Engineer to fast-track their career development as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate, utilising computer programming and simulation skills to developing new vibro-acoustic sensing technologies to work on robots to detect leaks and other wall defects in pressurised water pipes.
You will be employed by the University of Sheffield, but will spend a considerable period of time working at Synthotech in Harrogate as a part of a dynamic engineering team who carry out a world-class research and development work to stay at the forefront of this technology. As a KTP Associate, you will embed new know-how using research and academic support from the University of Sheffield.
You will be expected to be flexible to work in Sheffield and Harrogate and to attend field trials on dedicated sites around Yorkshire. You will also be expected to attend meetings with various water utilities with whom Synthotech works on a range of related projects. You will be project lead and have creative freedom to suggest changes and implement your ideas.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Deliver the project objectives as detailed in the KTP project work plan.
- Contribute to the development of a new sensor technology that can be deployed on a mobile robot and used to detect early onset of pipe wall damage. This will include:
- propose and develop the right science and to use and to inform the development of the vibro-acoustic sensor
- design of the sensors
- deployment of the sensors on a robust robotic platform
- testing the sensing technology in collaboration with other non-academic partners
- technology transfer
- participating in project meetings
- Take a leading role in identifying, assessing, and addressing project risks and challenges on an ongoing basis to ensure successful completion of the project.
- Maintain an up-to-date project plan and provide regular progress reports.
- Organise project technical and progress meetings.
- Deliver presentations to immediate project team members and other stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the supervisory teams in the University and Synthotech to write and publish technical papers based on the project outcomes.
- Completion of all KTP Training and KTP Associate Final Report in a timely manner.
- Contribute to the enhancement of the University research profile through publications,collaborations, and knowledge exchange activities.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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
- BEng/MEng, 1st or 2.1 degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics. Essential, Application, Interview.
- PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Strong working knowledge of acoustics, fluid mechanics plus experience of signal processing for experimental data. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Good working knowledge of other types of sensors and instrumentation through modelling and laboratory experiments. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Good working knowledge of a relevant computer programming language and simulation packages, for example Matlab, C/C++, Comsol or Ansys. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Good working knowledge of Python and ROS2. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to write technical reports showcasing the progress of the work. Ability to present results at conferences. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of Stakeholders. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Essential, Application, Interview.
- Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities effectively and efficiently to meet strict deadlines. Essential, Application, Interview.
Desirable criteria (max 2)
- Good working knowledge of robotics. Desirable, Application, Interview.
- Develop leadership and management skills appropriate to take on a lead role within the project. Desirable, Application, Interview.
Further Information
Grade: £39,105
Duration: Fixed-term for 30 months starting 3 February 2025
Line manager: Professor Kirill Horoshenkov
Company Supervisor: Dr Pravin Smart
Academic Supervisor: Dr Melika Gul
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Kirill Horoshenkov on k.horoshenkov@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 422 27855
Place of Work will be:
Synthotech Limited
Milner Court
Hornbeam Square South
Hornbeam Park
Harrogate
HG2 8NB
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place a couple of weeks after the closing date. This will consist of an interview and presentation. Contact Lisa Gardiner on l.m.gardiner@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.
By applying, you are agreeing that we can share your information with Synthotech Limited.
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 28 days' annual leave including 8 statutory bank holidays. Your annual leave year runs from your birthday.
- 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
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.