Professorial Fellowship

University Research Flagship:

Energy Institute
Introduction
It is with great pleasure that I am launching recruitment for our Flagship Energy Institute.

We are seeking candidates for this Professorial Fellowship with an outstanding interdisciplinary research
profile to provide generous and inclusive academic leadership for research and innovation in the Institute,
in line with the University’s vision for research excellence. If successful, you would be appointed as a
Professorial Fellow. You would have clear targets for research and leadership over a four-year period. At
the end of that four-year period, following the achievement of your research plans, you would progress to
a research and teaching Professorial position within one of our academic departments, while remaining a
key member of the Flagship Energy Institute.

During your first four years, you will focus almost exclusively on your interdisciplinary research, pursuing
opportunities for high profile external grants, producing an array of high quality publications and exploring
opportunities for partnership building and knowledge exchange and demonstrating the impact of your
research. As a senior member of the Institute, you will have opportunities to exhibit your leadership skills,
through the leadership of a research group or other aspect of the Flagships activities.

This is a unique opportunity for an outstanding candidate with real potential to drive forward their
research and innovation plans and to use their academic leadership skills to develop researchers
associated with the Energy Institute.

Professor Sue Hartley

Vice-President for Research
About the University
The University has roots going back to 1828. Today we are one of the UK’s leading universities with an
international reputation for excellence. Official teaching quality assessments rate us very highly across a
wide range of subjects, and excellent Research Excellence and Knowledge Exchange Framework results
confirm our reputation as a centre for a wide variety of world-class research and innovation. We are proud
to be a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.

Our graduates and former staff include six Nobel Prize winners, an Olympic gold medalist and Britain’s first
female astronaut.

Our staff work across 49 academic departments in five Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Engineering,
Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Science and Social Science. Each Faculty is led by a Vice-President and
Head of Faculty and supported by a senior team including a Faculty Director of Operations. The University
is an independent corporation whose governing body is University’s Council. The Council are responsible
for the strategic development and overall performance of the University´s business.

The University Executive Board is the President and Vice-Chancellor’s executive group and comprises: the
President & Vice-Chancellor, Provost & Deputy Vice Chancellor, the five Vice-Presidents & Heads of Faculty,
the Vice-Presidents for Research, Innovation and Education, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of
Human Resources and the Chief Operating Officer.

We have also confirmed our place as a world leading university with an international reputation for
research excellence across a wide range of disciplines following the results of the 2021 Research Excellence
Framework (REF) which classed 92 per cent of research and its real-world impact at the University of
Sheffield as world-leading or internationally excellent. Our Students Union are also proud to be voted No.1
in the UK 2021-2022.

When the University was founded over a century ago, the people of the city had a clear vision. They wanted
a world-class university that would bring the highest standard of teaching and research to Sheffield,
powering the economy, addressing social problems and transforming lives.

The vision is clearer than ever. We want Sheffield to be an international centre of excellence for centuries
to come, so we recruit ambitious, creative people from all over the world and we nurture their talent.

To find out more visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/about

About the Flagships

Researchers at the University of Sheffield are passionate about tackling the great global challenges of our
time.

The key issues facing humanity are embedded within complex systems, which cross the boundaries of
academic disciplines. We recognise that effectively addressing these challenges means working together
across the traditional boundaries of our research fields.

Tackling complex issues requires interdisciplinary and translational research – taking academic research
and turning it into real-world solutions.
To make this happen, we have created four bold new research institutes within the University, each
focused on an era-defining challenge:

● Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield

● Neuroscience Institute at the University of Sheffield
● Healthy Lifespan Institute at the University of Sheffield
● University of Sheffield Institute for Sustainable Food

The creation of focused research institutes enables us to bring our key strengths together in exciting new
ways.

To find out more watch this short film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=cYdgxYL3Vgc

Energy Institute
About Us

The Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield (www.sheffield.ac.uk/energy) brings together pioneering
researchers who are passionate about changing the world and transforming lives through innovative,
interdisciplinary research.

The institute is home to more than 300 of the best minds in energy research from around the world,
dedicated to using transformational research, innovation and collaboration to address the world’s biggest
energy challenges.

Based at the University of Sheffield, we are one of the largest energy research teams in Europe, working
across faculties and departments. Our researchers have a long history of conducting energy research with
expertise across the entire energy spectrum, including energy storage, Hydrogen and zero carbon fuels
carbon capture utilisation and storage, nuclear, wind, solar power, biofuels, conventional power, and
energy sustainability, resource efficiency and circular economy. We work across all levels of energy
research (TRL 1-3) and innovation (TRL 3-6), from laboratory studies to commercially viable solutions.

The Energy Institute includes the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), a national energy net-zero infrastructure
accelerator. EIC is the University of Sheffield national pilot-scale laboratories and infrastructure operated
by the Energy Institute, conducting research in renewable energy, sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen,
zero-carbon fuels, bioenergy, circular economy/supply chain, and CCUS sciences (www.terc.ac.uk and
www.saf-ic.ac.uk )

The visionary team at the Energy Institute has built a reputation for world-class research and innovation,
sought after by governments and industry.
Vision

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. As populations grow and energy demand
increases, we need to find new ways to deliver clean economic growth.

Energy research is at the heart of tackling this challenge and the Energy Institute at the University of
Sheffield has a clear, bold and urgent vision.

Energy is a wonderful, useful resource. Access to affordable, reliable energy has the power to boost
economies and drive-up living standards. But some of the ways we produce and consume energy are
having a catastrophic impact on our environment. We must act now to find sustainable energy solutions
that can meet demand without damaging our planet.

We want:
● To develop an affordable and clean energy future that is safe, secure and sustainable.
● To enable the UK to meet its target of becoming a zero-carbon society by 2050.
● To have a positive impact on jobs in the UK’s energy sector.
● To make the world a better place for everyone.

Our vision for secure and sustainable energy will be realised through transformative research,
collaboration and innovation. Our interdisciplinary researchers in the Energy Institute are working with
industry partners and governments to find solutions and translate pioneering research into tangible
impact.

Research Pillars
The Energy Institute carries out energy research across a wide spectrum of fields, including renewable
(wind and solar), nuclear, conventional energy generation, hydrogen and zero carbon fuels, bioenergy,
energy storage, carbon capture and utilisation, and energy sustainability, resource efficiency and circular
economy. Our multi- and interdisciplinary research teams work with industry and governments on
solutions to achieve supply chains and energy systems sustainability.

There are six research pillars at the heart of our pioneering work:

● Energy sustainability, resource efficiency and circular economy

● Net Zero Energy Technologies
● Hydrogen and Low/Zero Carbon Fuels
● Electrical Energy Storage
● Nuclear fission, fusion and manufacturing
● Wind

To find out more about the institute visit https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/energy

Research & Innovation Infrastructure
The University of Sheffield Translational Energy Research Centre and Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Innovation Centre are world-class centres that specialises in carrying out world-leading research and
innovation into next generation sustainable energy systems. The centres host some of the largest and most
exciting state-of-the art testing equipment in Europe, with several bespoke rigs, as well as adopting a
whole energy system approach.

The Centre for Research into Electrical Energy Storage and Applications (CREESA) hosts the UK's only
research-led, large scale, energy storage test facility. The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research
Centre (NAMRC) is a collaboration of academic and industrial partners from across the nuclear supply
chain, with the mission of helping UK manufacturers win work at home and worldwide. MIDAS is a national
user facility, established to provide academic, public and private sector organisations with access to state-
of-the-art equipment to support world leading research in the management and disposal of radioactive
wastes from the nuclear fuel cycle. Siemens established its UK wind turbine generator R&D competence
centre at the University of Sheffield in 2009. Our partnership with Siemens Gamesa focuses on developing
the most reliable, innovative and efficient wind turbine generators. The Advanced Resource Efficiency
Centre (AREC) is a national facility to promote the collaboration between industry and academia, and
provide a platform for access to policy makers in order to meet the challenge of promoting resource
efficiency and sustainability across supply chains.

To find out more about these facilities of the Energy Institute, visit
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/energy/about-us/facilities

People

The Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield is home to more than 300 of the best minds in energy
research from around the world, dedicated to using transformational research, innovation and
collaboration to address the world’s biggest energy challenges.

Management Team

Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian

Professor of Energy Engineering and Head of University Energy Institute
Professor Pourkashanian full profile can be found here.

Professor Lenny Koh

Professor in Operations Management and Director of Communication, Partnership, and
Internationalisation.
Professor Koh full profile can be found here

Professor David Stone

Professor in Electrical Engineering, Director of Research.
Professor Stone full profile can be found here
Person Specification
Within your application, please prepare and submit a short proposal on the research and innovation
programme that you would wish to pursue (aligning to the Institute’s vision and priorities).

You should provide evidence in your application that you meet the following criteria. We will use a range
of selection methods to measure your abilities in these areas including reviewing your online application,
seeking references, inviting shortlisted candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action
relevant to the post.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
However, as women and black and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates are currently under-represented at
this level in this area, we would particularly welcome applications from these candidates. All
appointments will be made on the merit of skills and experience relative to the role.

We will be looking for prior achievements and a track record which is appropriate for an outstanding
candidate at one of two levels and will look for evidence appropriate to that career stage.

Essential Criteria:
● A PhD (or equivalent industrial experience) in a relevant subject area.
● A distinguished record of international interdisciplinary research in high quality journals /
monographs demonstrating clear excellence.
● A track record of leadership working between low technology readiness level and high technology
readiness level environments between university, industry and/or government.
● Proven leadership ability to link university research and innovation with businesses, supply chains
and policy makers through successful business model management and delivery.
● An excellent record of scaling up research to advanced innovative cutting-edge facilities.
 ● Clear research plan for the Fellowship, aligned to at least one of the six research pillars of the Energy
Institute.
● Extensive knowledge and expertise in an area of interdisciplinary research that aligns to one or
more of the six research pillars of the Energy Institute.
● A track record of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to research.
● An excellent record of knowledge exchange, engagement and research impact.
● A proven record of attracting and managing external research grants.
● Proven leadership skills with evidence of valuing and supporting the career development of other
researchers.
● Considerable experience of working effectively both independently and collaboratively.
● Experience of supporting staff performance including the development of early career researchers
and of reviewing staff performance and progress against objectives.
● Experience of supervision of research students.
● Experience of developing, maintaining and enhancing a network of contacts within the discipline.
● Evidence of a high level of professional esteem and standing.
● Evidence of internationally recognised, innovative research and scholarship.
● Ability to mentor and motivate colleagues in development of their research agendas as well as
ability to contribute to their pastoral care.
● A willingness to be present on campus, for the time of the Fellowship, in order to take full advantage
of – and to fully contribute to – the research activities of the Energy Flagship institute.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

● Conduct world-leading interdisciplinary research, independently and collaboratively. Research should

be recognised in terms of its originality, significance, rigour and impact and evidenced by high quality
international journal publications, including identified 3* and 4* publications.
● Secure significant external funding to support future interdisciplinary research and innovation activity.
● Foster and demonstrate research impact. Undertake knowledge transfer activities and lead
collaborative cross faculty research and consultancy projects within the wider University and Industry.
● Disseminate research findings through sustained conference presentations and high-quality
publications which receive a high number of citations.
● Contribute substantially to knowledge exchange within the Energy institute and across the institutes
(where applicable).
● Lead and connect the interface between low technology readiness level and high technology readiness
level research of the Energy Flagship institute between university, industry and/or government.
● Build partnership to link Energy institute’s research and innovation with businesses, supply chains and
policy makers through successful business model management and delivery.
● Scale up Energy institute’s research to advanced innovative cutting-edge facilities.
● Embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles in all activities.
● Develop and maintain a network of contacts throughout area of specialism.
● Contribute to the Energy institute’s interdisciplinary and international partnership initiatives and
activities.
● Supervise postdoctoral research associates, postgraduate research students and Masters
dissertations.
● Manage a portfolio of knowledge transfer activities, with demonstrable social and/or economic impact
and benefit to the University. This might include applied and collaborative interdisciplinary research,
consultancy, development and delivery of CPD programmes for external clients, licensing of IP, the
creation of spin out companies, and nationally-significant collaborations with public, private and/or
third sector partners.
● Spend 10% of your time in your ‘home’ academic department, contributing to the activities of the
department as agreed with the Head of Department.
● Bring prestige to the University through membership of significant international/regional/ national
organisations, charitable boards, governing bodies, trusts. Hold an advisory role to public bodies.
● Lead collaborative and/or interdisciplinary research group activity within the Energy Institute and
establish productive research links and collaborations within the wider University and beyond.
● Maintain a high standing outside academia including significant contributions to the area/field
through academic achievement; recognised expertise as evidenced by reviewing of books, research
grant applications, others' research and acting as an external adviser.
● Encourage and mentor research activities of other staff.
● Undertake leadership and/or administrative duties that develop your skills as an academic research
leader and complement the development activity undertaken.
● You will make a full and active contribution according to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’.
Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: Sheffield
Academic.
● Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Terms of appointment
This is a significant and strategic appointment with high expectations. The successful candidate will be
offered an enhanced package to enable them to become rapidly established.

Salary for this role

An excellent salary will be offered commensurate with the seniority of this post and the experience of the
successful candidate.

Holidays
30 days, plus 3 closure days, plus 8 bank holidays per year. There is also the opportunity to purchase up to
an additional 10 days of annual leave.

Pension
Professorial staff can opt to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Role specific benefits

• Funding for two PhD studentships (UK fee plus stipend for 3.5 years)
• A start-up fund for travel and equipment.
• A generous removal/relocation expenses package subject to the terms of the scheme.
• Provision of appropriate personal mobile equipment (e.g., iPhone, iPad/laptop) to enable flexible
working across and beyond the campus.
• We are happy to explore flexible delivery of the role so long as we are able to meet business needs.
Reward Package
Terms and conditions of employment: Will be those for Professorial staff

This post is open ended.

This post is full-time:

This role has been identified as a full-time post, but we are committed to exploring flexible working
opportunities with our staff which benefit both the individual and the University (See
www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/guidance/flexible/arrangements). Therefore, we would consider flexible delivery
of the role subject to meeting the business needs of the post. If you wish to explore flexible working
opportunities in relation to this post, we encourage you to call or email the departmental contact listed
below.

We are a campus based residential university and as such the expectation is that all staff will spend some
of their time on campus. The university is committed to allowing its employees to work to a hybrid model
with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible. This role has been identified as
a role that could work to the hybrid model and if successful your manager will discuss these informal
arrangements with you.

If you join the University you will have access to a Total Reward Package that includes
a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as
well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your
personal and professional development. You will have access to your own
personalised portal where you can also access a comprehensive selection of benefits
and offers to suit your changing lifestyle needs, for example financial wellbeing, travel
options, shopping and cinema discounts.

The University is committed to tackling the global climate emergency. Our

sustainability strategy forms an integral part of all we do. We strive to embed this in
all areas of university life, from our students’ education, the globally impacting
international research we contribute, to campus life.

We aim to empower staff to work sustainably by giving them the knowledge to make
ethical decisions at work and home. Staff have the opportunity to be involved in
impactful sustainability projects through the nationally recognised Green Impact
scheme.

Staff have access to excellent green benefits including the cycle to work scheme with discounts and free
secure bike storage, as well as many greener choices across campus.

If you have an interest in this area, the university will strive to passionately support you in these
commitments. Check out www.sheffield.ac.uk/sustainability for more information.
The University of Sheffield recognises the importance of creating a positive environment, whereby all staff
feel able to talk openly and with trust about wellbeing and mental health.

Our Staff Wellbeing offer, encourages and supports staff to maintain their own positive health and
wellbeing through a range of accessible, inclusive and supportive services and activities.

Our leadership development has been designed to ensure that our leaders have the knowledge, skills and
behaviours needed by the University.

Inclusion at Sheffield is everyone's responsibility. Our vision is to build a

University community that actively attracts, engages and develops
talented individuals from many different backgrounds.

We are proud of our award-winning equality, diversity and inclusion

action, and we continue to work to create a fully inclusive environment where everyone can flourish.

To find out more about the benefits of working at the University, visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits

Selection – Next Steps

Closing date: For details of the closing date please view this post on our web pages at
www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs

Following the closing date, we will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been
shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process. Please note that due to the large
number of applications that we receive, it may take up to four working weeks following the closing date
before the recruiting department will be able to contact you.

It is anticipated that interviews and other selection action will be held in June/July. Full details will be
provided to invited candidates.

For more information on our application and recruitment processes visit

www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/application-tips

Informal enquiries

For informal enquiries about this job, contact: Lisa Shepley on l.shepley@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 215
7224 who will arrange a discussion with Professor Pourkashanian or Professor Lenny Koh.

For all online application system queries and support, visit: www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/faqs
Creating a remarkable place to work
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.

We are consistently ranked in the top 100 of the world’s universities, but there’s so much more to us than
that. By joining the University, you will be joining award-winning teams and departments who are all
working together to make the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work.