An exciting opportunity exists within the Ceramic and Glass group at the University of Sheffield. The post holder will work on validating AI‑predicted functional ceramics and glass compositions for applications as lead‑free piezoelectrics, high‑energy‑density ceramics and low‑network‑modify glass compositions for packaging applications in telecommunications. The candidate will work as part of the wider consortium in a €6 million Horizon Europe project (Simulingua) aimed at developing and validating next‑generation AI‑powered materials discovery tools.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* 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.
* Fabricate and characterise ceramics and glass predicted by AI‑based materials discovery.
* Carry out laboratory experiments such as X‑ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
* Liaise, coordinate and collaborate with Simulingua consortium members.
* Generate regular project update reports and presentations and deliver them at technical review meetings, seminars and conferences.
* Prioritise activities to achieve objectives agreed with supervisors and project sponsors.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant literature.
* Abide by the required health and safety culture and regulations expected within the UoS and its associated laboratories.
* Guide and support UG and PG project students in their laboratory work as required.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications and Experience
* Hold a good honours degree (or equivalent) and a PhD (or close to completion) in chemistry, physics, materials science or electrical engineering.
* Knowledge of advanced characterisation of functional ceramics and glasses.
* Experience in inorganic chemistry and/or ceramics, materials science and defect/crystal chemistry of oxides.
* Knowledge and experience to support delivery of the project aims, e.g. solid‑state characterisation methods (X‑ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal/chemical analysis), electrical testing (impedance spectroscopy, LCR, current‑voltage behaviour in capacitors, piezoelectrics).
* Experience of managing and leading projects covering multiple aspects and stakeholders (e.g. academic & industry).
* Effective communication skills, both written and verbal; report writing skills; experience of delivering presentations.
* Commitment to health and safety, including experience carrying out and documenting risk assessments and COSHH assessments.
* Ability to provide guidance and support to research and project students.
Salary and Working Conditions
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum
* Line manager: Sheffield project lead
* Direct reports: None
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Duration: Fixed‑term for 2 years
Contact
For informal enquiries about this job contact Ian M. Reaney, i.m.reaney@sheffield.ac.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr