Research Associate in Nonlinear System Identification and Modelling

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The Dynamics Research Group in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering is seeking to appoint a Research Associate with excellent research skills as part of the EPSRC‑funded “New Ways Forward in Nonlinear Structural Dynamics”. The project focuses on creating new technology for nonlinear system identification and modelling with a focus on symbolic computing and exact methods. It is funded as part of an EPSRC Open Fellowship for Professor Keith Worden.

The research work will focus on developing new nonlinear system modelling methods. The main emphasis will be on the identification of exact solutions for nonlinear equations of motion and equations of state. The primary tool will be symbolic regression implemented in computer algebra and will exploit the known physics of existing exact solutions. The programme may also interface with approximate methods and may involve validation of the methods on laboratory structures in the Laboratory for Validation and Verification.

• Apply mathematical and numerical modelling tools to develop nonlinear system identification and modelling algorithms, with an emphasis on exact solutions.
• Develop optimisation and search methods based on symbolic regression tools interfaced with computer algebra systems. The new tools will harmonise with database methods developed elsewhere in the team.
• Experimentally validate the resulting novel methodologies for engineering use cases defined in the project, focusing on aerospace structures.
• Proactively collaborate with other team members, both in Sheffield and more widely, to maximise research impact, including short visits to partners and other forms of interaction.
• Produce high‑quality written journal and conference papers of the research results, including relevant literature surveys, graphs, mathematical analysis and written text.
• Effectively manage your workload to accomplish project goals and tasks on time and to a high standard, selecting appropriate scientific approaches and conducting yourself with scientific rigor and integrity.
• Take a leading role in developing new ideas and assist others in the idea‑generation process.
• Participate in and contribute to all project events, including communication of your research results at project meetings and at conferences and outreach events.
• Plan specific aspects of the research project and contribute to project planning locally and more widely across the consortium, ensuring you have an ongoing plan for your work, considering resource availability, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims.
• Further develop your research skills, including leadership, communication and other transferable skills.
• Make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’, including excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the university’s achievements.
• Be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

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.

• Have a good honours degree in an engineering discipline,…