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

Job Details

• Employer: The University of Sheffield
• Location: West Midlands
• Salary: £37,000 - £41,000
• Closing date: 21 October 2026
• Project duration: 27 months.
• Mainly based at Hadley Group’s headquarters in Smethwick, with regular work at the University of Sheffield.

About the Role

Develop lighter, more efficient cold-formed steel structures through a 27-month partnership between the University of Sheffield and Hadley Group. The project combines physical testing, computer modelling and AI-informed design, targeting a 15–20% weight reduction compared with current solutions.

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a project in which a business and a university work together to apply research to a practical business need.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out full-scale structural tests and analyse performance and failure.
• Build and validate nonlinear finite element models in ABAQUS.
• Run studies of design variables and develop AI-informed prediction models.
• Optimise steel profiles for material efficiency and practical manufacture, then test them.
• Study how sheeting restrains structural elements and improve design methods.
• Turn findings into engineering guidance, software workflows and design tools.
• Provide documentation, staff training and workshops.
• Share findings through reports, presentations and publications.
• Manage milestones, risks and progress reporting.

Benefits and Support

• Dedicated KTP training.
• Access to Sheffield’s Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre.
• Academic supervision and collaboration with engineering, manufacturing and software teams.

About the Employer

Hadley Group specialises in cold-rolled steel engineering and manufacturing. It has more than 700 employees across four countries and serves construction, infrastructure, transport and industrial markets.