Job Description #body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-now: focus, #body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-#body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-now: focus, #body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-
Start applying with LinkedIn
Start
Please wait...
Job Title: Research Assistant in Propulsion
Posting Start Date: 04/06/2026
Job Id: 2684
School/Department: Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £32,080 -£36,636
Closing Date: 18/06/2026
.buttontext9f15688238029cf2 a{ border: 1px solid transparent; } .buttontext9f15688238029cf2 a: focus{ border: 1px dashed #222222 !important; outline: none !important; }
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.
Overview
Are you passionate about Aerospace engineering and rocketry? Looking to use your technical skills to make an impact on the future of propulsion?
We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering for a motivated individual to join our growing Aerospace Propulsion activity. As a Research Assistant, you will work alongside Dr. Alistair John and a growing research team to support cutting-edge propulsion test activities.
Main duties and responsibilities
Work with the team to support propulsion test activity
Lead on the design, planning and organisation of experimental testing
Support the design and commissioning of new test equipment
Conduct risk assessments and plan safe test activity
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with members of the research group, PhD students and external project collaborators
Support the coordination and delivery of research activities in the group
Contribute to reports, presentations, conference abstracts and journal articles (with support from members of the research team)
Support undergraduate extra-curricular and dissertation projects that make use of the group’s test facilities
Contribute to the academic life of the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
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 are 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.
Criteria
Essential or desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
A masters/good honours degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline. (or equivalent relevant experience)
Essential
Application & Interview
Technical knowledge and practical experience related to rocketry and propulsion testing.
Essential
Application & Interview
Experience conducting risk assessments and planning safe test activity.
Essential
Application & Interview
A passion for Aerospace engineering and propulsion.
Essential
Application & Interview
Experience of supporting quantitative, experimental research activities.
Essential
Application & Interview
Experience of organising, managing, and preparing research data for analysis.
Essential
Application & Interview
Excellent IT skills, including familiarity with data acquisition software and willingness to develop further technical skills.
Essential
Application & Interview
Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively to specified deadlines.
Essential
Application & Interview
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience of preparing reports or research outputs.
Essential
Application & Interview
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team and collaborate with external partners.
Essential
Application & Interview
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
£32,080 - £36,636
Work arrangement
Full Time
Duration
One year
Line manager
Dr Alistair John
Direct reports
N/A
Our website
https://sheffield.ac.uk/mac
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Alistair John, Aerospace Engineering: on
[email protected].
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 13th July 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Mac Operations team at
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 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.
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 (www.sheffield.ac.uk/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.
#body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-now: focus, #body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-#body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-now: focus, #body.unify div.unify-button-container .unify-apply-
Start applying with LinkedIn
Start
Please wait...
.buttontext8fe2a27d3507605d a{ border: 1px solid transparent; } .buttontext8fe2a27d3507605d a: focus{ border: 1px dashed #222222 !important; outline: none !important; }
.buttontext8f15aa5aa6636d22 a{ border: 1px solid transparent; } .buttontext8f15aa5aa6636d22 a: focus{ border: 1px dashed #222222 !important; outline: none !important; }
