Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate: Structural Optimization in a Circular Economy

Posting Start Date:

08/05/2025

Job Id:

1080

School/Department:

Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,249 - 46,735

Closing Date:

22.05.2025
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

BuildZero is a 6 million project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) that will develop a detailed vision of more sustainable building practices. This five-year project led by University of Sheffield in partnership with the Universities of Bath, Manchester, Cardiff and Cambridge, in addition to a range of industrial collaborators, will consider options for developing methods for building without extracting new resources, eliminating waste and reducing carbon emissions from material extraction and production. It will assess the extent to which the vision for a circular economy is achievable at regional and national level, and will provide a platform for demonstrating these solutions at scale.




The built environment is a major resource consumer, produces around 60% of the UK's waste and is responsible for approximately 40% of the UK's carbon emissions. However, it also holds a vast stock of materials with reuse potential, making it a strong candidate for a circular economy. Working with a range of stakeholders, the consortium will co-develop visions of sustainable building futures to shape what solutions are desired, acceptable and inclusive, while exploring the impact of these solutions to get us to a circular economy with zero carbon emissions.




You will develop practical digital tools to optimise the use of the structure and space within existing buildings. You will also be an integral member of the large, multidisciplinary BuildZero project team, and will contribute to wider project tasks, events, and outputs.



Further information can be found at https://www.buildzero.ac.uk/

Main duties and responsibilities

Develop novel layout optimization methods for coupled analysis and design of extended or modified structures, e.g. vertical extensions, change of use and more intensive use. Develop structural optimization approaches where the scenario can be given in terms of space requirements rather than precise span/room dimensions. Apply these approaches to archetypal structural forms based on data from other BuildZero work packages, making the necessary changes to apply the methods to a generalised problem instead of a specific building. Use datasets from other BuildZero work packages to scale these findings and assess potential capacities at a national level. Integrate the methods developed into existing codebases in a maintainable and extensible fashion Produce and deliver research outputs, including peer-review papers, conference presentations and other formats (e.g., industry briefing papers). Work in close collaboration with other members of the BuildZero project team, including effective engagement with industrial, commercial and public project stakeholders. Participate in, and present progress reports at a variety of BuildZero related team meetings and events. Undergo appropriate personal and professional development. Undertake other tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation project tasks and implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting. 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 PhD (or about to submit) in a related subject area (e.g., Structural optimization, circular construction) or equivalent professional experience (assessed at: application & interview). Programming experience (Python or C++ preferred) (assessed at: application & interview). Demonstrate evidence of independent research study with impact (assessed at: application & interview). Proven ability to publish high quality research outputs e.g., peer-reviewed journal or conference papers (assessed at: application). Ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: interview). Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities (assessed at: interview).





Desirable criteria




Experience of optimization using mathematical programming approaches (assessed at: application & interview).

Further Information

Grade:

7

Salary:

38,249 - 46,735

Work arrangement:

Full-time

Duration:

2 years in the first instance

Line manager:

Co-Investigator

Direct reports:

N/A

Our website:

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




For informal enquiries about this job contact

Helen Fairclough, Co-Investigator: on

helen.fairclough@sheffield.ac.uk

.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on week commencing 2nd June. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 26th May. 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.




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.