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Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the Mechanisms of Health & Disease research group within the School of Clinical Dentistry, working on a collaborative project focussing on novel treatment of inflammatory epithelial disease with a team of academics led by Professor Helen Colley.
In collaboration with Plasma4, we have recently developed a novel drug-delivery system that consists of a helium-based cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet device and a hydrogel dressing, which can be loaded with therapeutics. The CAP jet triggers the release of medicinals on-demand from the hydrogel dressing whilst simultaneously delivering its anti-inflammatory and healing effects. The hydrogel also screens out the harmful elements of the CAP jet whilst acting as a drug reservoir, enabling repeat dosing over time. The system, so far, has been developed to deliver antimicrobials but has potential applications in a wide range of conditions, including chronic skin diseases. You will work on an MRC Impact Acceleration funded project to investigate the novel mode of CAP-mediated topical treatment for the treatment of inflammatory skin disease using tissue engineered skin as an experimental model.
You must be highly motivated, innovative and be able to work both independently and as part of a complementary team. You must have a sound knowledge within the discipline and the ability to apply it to a research environment.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Assist with relevant research as directed by the project proposal in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan.
- Maintenance of all equipment, software and supplies required for the project work.
- Work independently and alongside the project partners to meet the project objectives.
- Keep accurate, detailed log books of all experimental work.
- Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.
- Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
- Prepare reports for group meetings, including presentation of results to others within the project group.
- Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan; this involves planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements for the project.
- Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to understand the context of the project to the wider literature.
- Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders. This includes preparing written project reports, giving presentations at project meetings and conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.
- 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 possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
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.
Essential Criteria
- PhD in a relevant subject area
- Have a relevant undergraduate degree
- Proven ability in research and evidence of research output
- Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and research methods and techniques to work independently and initiate and develop relevant research in the areas of CAP, drug delivery, biomaterials and cell biology
- Experience of tissue-engineering 3D epithelial models
- Excellent written and oral cummunication skills, with ability to translate complex information into accessible language
- Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team on research programmes
Desirable
- Experience of working with primary immune cells
- Proven ability in ELISA, immunohistochemistry and advanced microscopy techniques
Further Information
Grade: 7 - £37,999 - £42,632
Duration: 1 January 2025 - 30 June 2025
Line manager:Principle Investigator of the MRC IAA Award
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Helen Colley, Professor of Tissue Engineering: on h.colley@sheffield.ac.uk or on 01142 159352
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 2 weeks after close of the application submission deadline. This will consist of interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks after close of the application process. Contact j.l.young@sheffield.ac.uk. if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
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.