Knowledge Graph and Ontology Specialist

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.

Bachelor's or master's degree in Information Science, Computer Science, Philosophy (with a focus on formal logic/ontology), Systems Engineering, or a related area, coupled with 2-3 years of practical knowledge graph and ontology experience.

Interview / Application

Working knowledge of foundational upper ontologies (e.g., BORO, HQDM, IES, ISO 15926, BFO, UFO, SUMO, DOLCE) and a demonstrable understanding of 4D ( perdurantist / spatiotemporal) vs. 3D ( endurantist / spatial) modelling methods in extending domain ontologies.

Deep, practical understanding of the distinctions, limitations, and appropriate applications of formal ontologies versus data dictionaries, vocabularies, and taxonomies.

Experience with semantic web technologies (RDF(S), OWL, SPARQL, SHACL), standard conceptual modelling languages (e.g., UML or similar) and linked data formats (e.g. Turtle).

Practical experience with ontology authoring tools and workflows (e.g., Sparx Enterprise Architect, Protégé) and familiarity with ontology design patterns and common anti-patterns.

Working knowledge and understanding of the differences between graph database technologies (e.g., Neo4j, GraphDB, RDFox) and experience building and managing knowledge graphs that integrate data from multiple sources.

Experience translating raw or semi-structured engineering data into structured semantic models, with an understanding of data pipeline or ETL fundamentals.

Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, interviewing domain experts to translate complex subject matter into formal logic and structured models.

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to explain highly abstract conceptual models to non-technical stakeholders.

Ability to work effectively as part of an agile team (e.g. scrum, kanban) with a demonstrated capacity to operate independently, alongside excellent time, project management, and collaborative skills.

Experience applying version control (e.g., Git), continuous integration, or open-source practices specifically tailored to ontology development, model lifecycle management, or semantic data collaboration.

Background or exposure to advanced manufacturing, engineering, or industrial R&D environments.

7

Full-time

Fixed term until 31st October 2029

Senior Technical Fellow in Interoperability

None - with opportunity for supporting placements and graduate staff.

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website .

For informal enquiries about this job contact Jonathan Eyre, Senior Technical Fellow in Interoperability on j.eyre@amrc.co.uk

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

The selection process will consist of an in-person interview at Factory 2050, Sheffield consisting of: a short presentation from applicants, a series of questions from a panel, followed by a tour around the facility. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. Contact Jonathan Eyre if you require any reasonable adjustments.

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page .

This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.

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.

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