Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate: Characterisation & local structure of dielectrics for high voltage applications

Posting Start Date:

29/04/2025

Job Id:

999

School/Department:

Chemical, Materials & Biological Eng

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,249 to 46,735

Closing Date:

21/05/2025
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.

Overview

An exciting opportunity exists within the MOSAIC (Materials Ordering and Structure; Analysis, Investigation and Characterisation) and Functional Materials and Devices groups at the University of Sheffield (UoS). The post holder will work on understanding and characterising a range of newly developed perovskite-based dielectric ceramics which exhibit a quasi linear response at high electric fields for high energy density applications in power electronics. In particular, we are looking for someone to undertake advanced characterisation using local structural probes. The project is in collaboration with the Universities of Manchester (UoM), Warwick (UoW) and Pennsylvania State University (PSU). Collaborating companies include KAVX Ltd, a European subsidiary of Kyocera AVX Components and Knowles Capacitors, both of whom are leading manufacturers of passive components for the electronics market.



You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the project to ensure its goals are achieved and will report to Dr Lewis Owen, Prof Ian M. Reaney and Prof Derek C. Sinclair (UoS). You will work closely with and maintain the collaboration with Dr Ge Wang (UoM), Professor Richard Beanland (UoW) and Professor Clive Randall (PSU). You will be responsible for the collation of data and producing the first draft of papers for high impact factor journals. This post is specifically focussed on advanced characterisation related to understanding average and local structural effects within the system. Experimental methods will include in-situ synchrotron and spallation source measurements, X-ray and Neutron total scattering (Pair Distribution Function analysis), as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM).

Main duties and responsibilities

Undertake the programme of work and conduct empirical research as required by the research programme. Develop, in collaboration with the Principal and Co-Investigators, such new techniques as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the research. Plan work effectively, including availability of resources (equipment usage), deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims, and report to line manager(s) on a regular basis. Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with the other university partners (UoM, UoW, PSU) Generate regular project update reports and presentations and deliver them at technical review meetings and at seminars and conferences. Prioritise activities to achieve objectives agreed with the supervisors and project sponsors. Contribute to writing papers summarising research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and to other reports, including protocols and other documents. Contribute to applications for beamtime at UK and international research facilities Collect data and undertake any appropriate analysis of data as requested. Keep clear accessible records, making data, records and protocols available according to open/FAIR principles as soon as possible. Participate in group meetings and support other members of the academic research group. Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant literature. 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 chemistry, physics, or materials science and a PhD (or close to completion) in chemistry, physics or materials science. (assessed at: application/interview) Experience undertaking beamline experiments at central facilities (e.g. Diamond/ISIS/ESRF/ILL etc.) (assessed at: application/interview) Experience in the analysis of diffraction data and the use of powder diffraction refinement software (assessed at: application/interview) Experience in total scattering data collection and pair distribution function analysis (assessed at: application/interview) Knowledge of and experience with local structural probes (e.g. Total scattering, NMR, EXAFS) to support delivery of the project aims (assessed at: application/interview) Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application/interview) A commitment to health and safety, and a good understanding of industry health and safety procedures including experience carrying out and documenting risk assessments and COSHH assessments. (assessed at: application/interview) Ability to provide guidance and support to University of Sheffield research and project students (assessed at: application/interview) Ability to organise and prioritise own work and organise research within the project timetable (assessed at: application/interview)


Desirable criteria




Experience in inorganic chemistry and/or ceramics, materials science and defect chemistry of oxides (assessed at: application/interview) Experience of managing and leading projects covering multiple aspects and stakeholders (e.g. academic & industry) Experience in programming languages for data analysis, e.g. Python or Matlab (assessed at: application/interview/presentation) Experience with RMC methods for pair distribution function analysis (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)

Further Information

Grade:

7

Duration:

01.07.2025 - 30.06.2027

Line manager:

Dr Lewis Owen

Direct reports:

N/A

Our website:

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe




For informal enquiries about this job contact

Dr Lewis Owen on lewis.owen@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in May 2025. This will consist of a panel interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after 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 Amanda Temple at cmbe-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

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; 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




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.