Research Associate in Steel Structures and Sustainable Design (KTP Associate)

Job description:

Are you a structural engineer with expertise in finite element modelling and experimental testing, looking to apply advanced research to real industrial products? We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate in Steel Structures to lead the technical delivery of a 27-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Sheffield and Hadley Group.

The project will develop next-generation lightweight cold-formed steel systems and validated design and optimisation tools for purlin, cladding and mezzanine applications. Its goal is to achieve lighter and more materially efficient structural profiles, targeting 15–20% weight reductions compared with current solutions, while developing practical methods and software capability that can be embedded within Hadley Group.

You will combine full-scale structural testing with nonlinear finite element modelling, manufacturing-aware optimisation and AI-informed modelling. You will develop and validate advanced ABAQUS models, investigate the effects of cold-forming and sheeting restraint, optimise cold-formed steel profiles subject to practical manufacturing constraints, and translate the findings into improved design methodologies and software workflows. You will also lead day-to-day project activities, engage with engineering, manufacturing and software teams, and support the transfer of new knowledge into the business.

You should have a PhD, or equivalent research and development experience, in Structural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline. You will need strong numerical modelling and problem-solving skills, experience of structural experimental testing, and computational or programming capability. Experience in cold-formed steel structures and in structural optimisation, AI-informed engineering design or engineering software development would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be based mainly at Hadley Group in Smethwick, with regular work at the University of Sheffield, including experimental testing at the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR). You will join a multidisciplinary research and engineering team, working alongside experienced structural engineers, researchers, manufacturing specialists and software engineers, with access to Hadley’s engineering and manufacturing expertise and state-of-the-art experimental facilities at the University of Sheffield.

As a KTP Associate, you will have substantial ownership of a high-impact industrial research project and access to structured KTP management and professional development. The project includes a dedicated £6,500 Associate development budget and protected time for training and career development. You will also participate in two four-day residential KTP development programmes at Ashorne Hill, providing dedicated training in project management, leadership, business and professional skills.

This is a full-time position working 37.75 hours per week, with 25 days’ annual leave plus 8 public holidays. The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a fantastic range of benefits, including a competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities where appropriate, and a commitment to your development and wellbeing.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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