Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience

Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience
Posting

Start Date:

22/05/2026
Closing Date: 19/06/2026
Salary per annum: £38,784 - £47,389

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research team at the University of Sheffield. This position is part of a high‑impact, international collaboration aimed at developing a pan‑viral prophylactic therapy against respiratory viral infections. The project is funded by an Advanced Research + Invention Agency and seeks to prime broader antiviral immunity within the nasal epithelium to create a durable, broad‑spectrum intervention.

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to meet project aims, including establishing Air‑Liquid Interface respiratory cultures using primary human nasal epithelial cells, performing controlled viral infection studies with Influenza virus, RSV, Rhinovirus and SARS‑CoV‑2, and conducting single‑cell multi‑omic assays (scRNA‑seq and scATAC‑seq).
• Collaborate with local and international team members to align experimental workflows and achieve technical milestones, including travel to laboratories in the USA and the Netherlands.
• Prepare high‑quality data for technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Keep up to date with emerging trends in mucosal immunology, virology, and single‑cell technologies.
• Assist in the day‑to‑day running of the laboratory, supporting compliance with Health & Safety regulations, COSHH, risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in virology, immunology or an equivalent field.
  Essential
• Extensive experience of viral culture and quantification.
  Essential
• Extensive experience of cell culture.
  Essential
• Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment, completing tasks to a high standard.
  Essential
• Demonstrate experience in the design and interpretation of laboratory experiments.
  Essential
• Ability to adhere to research protocols, maintain study deadlines and keep meticulous records of experiments undertaken.
  Essential
• Excellent academic track record, including evidence of publications, prizes, and/or presentations at national/international conferences.
  Essential
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, and experience of delivering presentations.
  Essential
• Track record of supervising PhD, MSc, or undergraduate students.
  Essential
• Ability to work constructively and effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
  Essential
• Experience of single‑cell sequencing assays.
  Desirable
• Experience of flow cytometry.
  Desirable
• Evidence of analysing next‑generation sequencing data.
  Desirable

• Competitive salary of £38,784 - £47,389 per annum.
• Minimum 41 days annual leave (pro‑rated), with the option to purchase additional days.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid work where appropriate.
• Access to a range of retail discounts and rewards.
• Support for professional development through learning and mentoring schemes.