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. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
The role
Nature offers a mechanism - called homeostasis - by which life forms can maintain their physical integrity and well being. On the other hand, a series of machines, including robots, cannot overcome some of the most insignificant damage, such as a cut in their functional component. The aim of this project is to develop a fundamental physical homeostatic framework in order to endow machines with the ability to sustain themselves at unpredictable conditions - that is, to autonomously prevent faults and restore lost function, and thus allow the machine’s continuing operation.
In this project we will create physical building blocks which endow machines with homeostatic capabilities. We will (1) develop a physical system endowed with matter-encoded internal states and sensing of various physical stimuli, which supports homeostasis; (2) develop a chemical reaction-driven response framework which is triggered due to internal or externally-generated fault.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Run experiments as needed to support the research project
- Write papers to disseminate findings an write technical reports to inherit the know how
- Present progress regularly to the team
- Maintain health & safety standards in the lab and take part in activities and roles to ensure the good functioning of the lab
- Attend relevant meetings
- Prepare relevant demonstrations
- Help organise relevant events
- Supervise researchers in the lab
- 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
- An MSc/MEng in electrical engineering, material engineering, mechanical engineering (or equivalent experience) (to be assessed at application)
- Experience in soft robotics (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Experience in fluidic systems (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Experience in smart materials (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Good written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing reports and presenting your findings. (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines. (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Effective time management skills. (to be assessed at application and interview)
- Ability to plan research tasks and progress work activities, and to monitor and manage the delivery of outcomes. (to be assessed at application and interview)
Working arrangment: Part-time (17 hours per week)
Duration: Starting 1 June 2025 for 6 months.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in April 2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing in 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 us.
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days 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.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right.
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.
