Overview
The University MRI Unit is an active research unit focused on MR imaging, including pulmonary, neuroscience, abdominal and cardiovascular imaging. It is part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health, recognised by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Imaging & Engineering theme and the Insigneo Institute.
We are looking for an experienced Radio Frequency coil researcher to lead RF coil engineering research for multi‑nuclear and hyper‑polarised MRI applications. The unit is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art imaging facilities including 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners, a 3 T PET‑MR scanner, hyper‑polarisation labs and a well‑equipped RF engineering laboratory.
The post is aligned with a recent Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) prosperity partnership award between GE Healthcare and the University of Sheffield, building on a 12‑year collaboration with GE Healthcare.
You will be based in the POLARIS group in the School of Medicine & Population Health, with a joint appointment in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
In addition to clinically impactful imaging technology research, the role will include teaching in electrical and electronic engineering, biomedical engineering, RF engineering and signal processing across both schools.
Responsibilities
* Design and construct innovative RF coils for lung, pulmonary and brain MRI & MRS at low and clinical field strengths.
* Expand and develop the RF laboratory, identifying requirements for CAD equipment and rapid‑prototyping tools.
* Identify suppliers and secure consumables and components for prototype RF coils.
* Liaise with and maintain industrial collaborations with suppliers, MRI scanner partners and third‑party RF coil companies.
* Develop strategic academic‑industrial collaborations to advance research and translate designs into clinical results.
* Conduct a programme of high‑quality research, securing diverse funding sources.
* Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
* Manage new polarisation equipment projects using engineering process‑control tools (Lean, Six Sigma, reliability, tolerance/sensitivity, design control).
* Expand the group’s research profile in the field.
* Supervise PhD and/or undergraduate students and laboratory technicians.
* Develop a research profile in RF coil engineering and MRI physics.
* Contribute to research grant applications.
* Lead instrumentation‑led research exploring hyper‑polarised gas applications such as ^3He, ^129Xe, ^19F and ^1H.
* Engage with industrial collaborators on hardware development.
* Participate in ongoing collaborations with academic, clinical and industrial partners.
* Support undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes.
* Present research to collaborators, group members and external audiences.
* Carry out administrative duties as required.
* Contribute to the strategic vision and mission through inclusive, collaborative work.
* Make full and active contributions to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
We recognise the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all staff and encourage inclusive applicants.
Essential / Desirable Criteria
* Good Honours degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
* PhD (or Masters) in RF coil engineering research or equivalent industrial experience.
* Practical experience designing and building RF coils for MRI.
* Industrial work experience or commercial industrial collaboration.
* Ability to assess, organise resources and plan work activities.
* Track record of publications in imaging and engineering journals.
* Effective written and verbal communication, report‑writing and presentation skills.
* Ability to supervise PhD/research staff in testing and designing RF equipment.
* Experience teaching design & delivery at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
* Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards.
Further Information
Grade: Grade 8
Salary: £48,822 – £58,225 pro‑rata (potential to rise to £65,509 with exceptional contribution)
Work arrangement: Full‑time
Line manager: Head of Section, Medical Imaging and Technologies
Benefits
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase additional days.
* Flexible, hybrid working opportunities.
* A range of retail discounts and travel rewards.
* Staff networks: Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, and Parent’s networks.
* Recognition awards for outstanding performance.
* Development programmes and mentoring within Academic Career Pathways.
* Paid time off for parenting, caring emergencies, menopause, and fertility treatment.
* Additional benefits available.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to progress to the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date: 28/04/2026
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