Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate in Discontinuous Carbon Fibre Composites

Posting Start Date:

08/05/2025

Job Id:

869

School/Department:

Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering

Work Arrangement:

Part Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,249.00 pro rate

Closing Date:

05.06.2025
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 Research Associate position is available to join The University of Sheffield's EPSRC IAA project "Discontinuous carbon fibre composites manufactured from recycled prepreg waste for high-volume aerospace structures", a collaborative project between the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, the AMRC and GKN Aerospace.




The ideal candidate would have proven research and/or industrial experience in composite manufacturing, and experience in compression moulding processes will be a significant advantage. Strong laboratory skills with an advanced knowledge in rheology and cure kinetics of thermoset composites is needed. Previous experience in experimental material characterisation using oscillatory rheometer and squeeze flow rheometer is highly desired but not essential.



Candidates should hold a degree and have or be close to completing a PhD in engineering or materials science and have an extensive background knowledge of composite science.



The post holder will need to show independence, creativity and flexibility in their approach alongside working together within a team in Sheffield, but also alongside the numerous partners involved in the project, which will involve a high degree of communication and knowledge sharing between partners and an interdisciplinary approach to the work. Please note while the project will be primarily conducted at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, occasional travels to the AMRC and other external organisations for equipment access are expected.




Project summary: A technology has been previously developed to recycle automotive grade carbon fibre prepreg offcuts by cutting them into small chips that can be compression moulded like sheet moulding compounds (SMCs). The discontinuous fibre architecture allows the material to flow under high pressure, so that complicated geometry can be formed. The current project will explore the feasibility of adapting this process for recycling aerospace grade prepreg.

Main duties and responsibilities

Participate the design and planning of the project and conduct the technical work including sample preparation, experimental material characterisation and data analysis Prepare detailed research reports, and presentations, summarising research findings for internal and external collaborators Actively engage with internal and external collaborators ensure smooth execution and progress of research projects Work closely with the wider composites team members including other researchers, lab technicians/managers to maintain a positive research culture and ensure relevant Health and Safety regulations are followed 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




A Bachelor's degree (a Master degree or higher is preferred) in mechanical engineering or material science and engineering, and have or be close to completing a PhD (assessed at Application/Interview). Background in rheology and cure kinetics of thermoset polymers and/or composites, ideally both theoretical and experimental (assessed at Application/Interview). Knowledge and experience in composites manufacturing, ideally using compression moulding processes (assessed at Application/Interview). Strong hands-on skills and willingness to conduct laboratory based research; strict compliance to the university's health and safety regulations (assessed at Application/Interview). Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare research reports, publications, and presentations targeting both academic and industrial audiences (assessed at Application/Interview). Good organisation and time management skills to priories research activities and meet deadlines (assessed at Application/Interview). Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues and external stakeholders to achieve research objectives. (assessed at Application/Interview).





Desirable criteria




Experience in manufacturing of discontinuous fibre composites is highly desirable (assessed at Application/Interview). experience in experimental material characterisation using oscillatory rheometer and squeeze flow rheometer (assessed at Application/Interview).

Further Information

Grade:

7

Salary:

38,249 pro rata per annum

Work arrangement:

Part-time, 14 hrs per week

Duration:

11 months ending 31 March 2026

Line manager:

Senior Lecturer

Our website:

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




For informal enquiries about this job contact

Dr Connie Qian, Senior Lecturer in Composites: on c.qian

@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 14 April 2025. This will consist of a presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 7 April 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-Recruitment@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 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.




Closing Date : 05.06.2025




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.