Research Associate (Stem Cell Biology

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.

We are seeking an independent and motivated Research Associate to work on an MRC-funded project focusing on the links between metabolism and epigenetic regulation of stem cell fate decisions. The successful applicant will employ genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines to examine how one-carbon metabolism, a key biochemical pathway generating essential metabolites for epigenetic regulation, influences neural differentiation. This project is a close collaboration with the group of Dr Yaser Atlasi from Queen's University Belfast.

Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in a subject related to stem cell/developmental biology. Experience in culture and differentiation of hPSCs toward neuronal lineages alongside immunocytochemistry/imaging, flow cytometry and qPCR are essential. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and be able to work to a high standard.

• Conduct personal research of international standing into the above-mentioned remit for the study. Moreover, the postholder needs to be able to identify literature and updating own knowledge, assessing the validity of the relevant literature and its contribution to the development of own field.
• Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress and initiate and implement relevant programme of research.
• Disseminate research findings/results through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentation either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars.
• Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Provide support to PI for research proposals and funding applications.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.
• Delegate and monitor the work of research students.
• Deal with reactive requests relating to supervision of research staff and students.
• Participate in consortium meetings and seminars, in particular with collaborators
• Plan up to several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

• A PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in an area related to stem cell/developmental biology – Essential – Application/interview
• Experience with culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) toward neuronal lineages – Essential – Application/interview
• Experience in qPCR, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry/imaging techniques – Essential – Application/interview
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations – Essential – Application/interview
• Experience of working as part of a collaborative team and a willingness to supervise PhD and undergraduate students – Essential – Application/interview
• Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience – Essential – Application/interview
• Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications – Essential – Application/interview
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities – Essential – Application/interview
• Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research associated with current projects…