Research Assistant; Stem Cell Biology

Job Title:

Research Assistant (Stem Cell Biology)

Posting

Start Date:

19/08/2026

Job

Work Arrangement:
Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:
Fixed-term

Closing Date: 15/09/2026

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.

Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the research group led by Dr Anestis Tsakiridis. The successful applicant will provide support for routine human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) culture and differentiation, preparation of samples and analysis. General lab management duties will also be required. This work is part of an MRC DPFS-funded project aiming to develop a cell therapy to treat Hirschsprung disease.

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology and experience with the following techniques: cell (ideally hPSC) culture, RNA isolation; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; flow cytometry. Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software and excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines are also essential.

• Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out routine culture, differentiation and harvesting of various hPSC cell lines.
• Analysis of harvested samples e.g. by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and qPCR.
• Assist in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Provide assistance to other members of the laboratory when required.
• Accurately record results, providing analysis and presenting findings to colleagues.
• Carry out lab management tasks e.g. stock maintenance, reagent purchasing etc.
• Be involved with the development and testing of new techniques/approaches, including the monitoring and maintenance of equipment and systems for use by staff and students.
• Contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication in international journals.
• Contribute to the group’s wider dissemination of research through outreach and public engagement activities.
• Prioritise own work within a general schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist the PI and other staff in planning future work, including coordinating arrangements and delegating tasks to others.
• Analyse and problem solve to understand and interpret information and make recommendations, e.g., skills for analysing data and reports, diagnosing, and troubleshooting technical equipment.
• Attend all required safety and training courses, comply with required safety, licensing, and technical regulations, and assist the PI in ensuring the lab is also compliant.

Person Specification

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.

Criteria

Stage(s) assessed at

BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology

Application/interview

Experience with the following techniques: cell (ideally hPSC) culture, RNA isolation; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; flow cytometry

Application/interview

Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software

Application/interview

Effective written and verbal communication skills: report writing, delivering presentations, developing relationships and working successfully with collaborators and partners

Application/interview

Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines

Application/interview

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and adapt own skills to new circumstances

Application/interview

Experience in qPCR, immunostaining, flow cytometry and fluorescence/confocal microscopy techniques

Application/interview

Experience in lab management

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

6

Work arrangement

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Duration

Fixed-term for 36 months from 1 January 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

Line manager

Direct reports

None

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