Job Description
Job Title: Research Associate in Bioinspired Mesoporous Silica
Posting Start Date: 20/02/2026
Job Id: 2264
School/Department: Chemical, Materials & Biological Eng
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): 38,784
Closing Date: 06/03/2026
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
We have invented a green method to produce bioinspired mesoporous silica (BMS). Preliminary research and market analysis shows that this invention has commercial potential which needs to be demonstrated in terms of the application and scalability. A related project is studying the performance of BMS, in this project, we will investigate and demonstrate the scalability using our custom-built pilot plant. The expected outcome is reproducible and robust production of up to 1kg. This will derisk commercialisation and help plan future manufacturing.
The appointed researcher will lead the scale-up of synthesis and downstream processing by planning the activities and using the inputs from our external partners. You will be responsible for characterising the products and correlate their dependence on processing conditions in order to optimise the operations and product quality.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Commission the pilot plant by running preliminary trials.
* Trial BMS synthesis/process at lab scale to establish benchmarks.
* Develop a plan for scale-up, process intensification and design of experiments to study a range of parameters.
* Implement these plans to undertake multiple production runs/cycles.
* Using multiple methods, quantify the product quality and understand the dependence on processing conditions using fluid dynamics theory.
* Investigate and optimise downstream processing (separations, purification and drying).
* Use inputs from industry and external partners to inform scale-up and optimisation.
* Produce up to 1 kg BMS in a single batch and demonstrate reproducibility.
* Explore the use of feedstock from various sources.
* Take a lead role in writing up research, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate results as appropriate by, for example, peer reviewed journal publications, technical reports and presentations.
* Collaborate with colleagues on the development of impact and knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public perceptions.
* Supervise researchers and provide advice to students, and attend and contribute to project meetings, research advisory meetings and research group meetings.
* 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.
Criteria
Essential or desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
A good honours degree (or equivalent experience) and a PhD or equivalent research experience relevant to this position.
E
Application
Experience of applying fluid dynamics theory in practice.
E
Application, interview
Experience of synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials.
E
Application, interview
Experience of science communication via writing high-quality scientific reports & manuscripts and delivering presentations.
E
Application
Experience of working with scale-up and pilot-plants.
E
Application
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving, with an appreciation of longer-term implications.
E
Application, interview
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
E
Interview
Ability to work both independently and part of a team and experience of relevant supervision of researchers.
E
Application, interview
Membership of relevant Chartered/ Professional bodies or the willingness to work towards it.
D
Application
Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area.
D
Application
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 per annum
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
Fixed-term to 31/10/2026
Line manager
Professor Siddharth V. Patwardhan
Direct reports
n/a
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Siddharth V. Patwardhan on or on
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the 11th or 12th March 2026. This will consist of sifting written applications followed by an interview which will include a presentation on a set technical task and various questions about the role and the person. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible following 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 the line manager as noted above.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our 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 ) 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.