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Overview
A Research Associate positions is available in the laboratory of Prof. Walter Marcotti funded by a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award. The remit of the work is to investigate the mechanisms regulating signal processing in the developing and ageing mouse cochlea in vivo, and how these influence central auditory neuronal pathways. This role will also provide an opportunity to work as part of a large and vibrant team present within the Hearing Research group at Sheffield.
The project will primarily involve using 2-photon imaging and AAV-gene delivery applied to a wide range of transgenic mice. Candidates should have knowledge of and expertise in optical calcium-imaging and related analysis.
The appointee must be able to contribute significantly to the ongoing research in Prof. Marcotti's laboratory by designing, developing and performing experiments, data analysis and disseminating the findings by writing papers and abstracts and by presenting work at conferences and seminars. The successful candidate will be required to work in collaboration with other Research Associates and PhD students in the laboratory. As such, an ability to work in a team is essential.
The successful candidates should have or be working towards a PhD in Neuroscience or a Physiological related discipline. A proven track record in research in an appropriate area of neuroscience and expertise in working with transgenic mice are also essential.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Conduct personal research of international standing into the above-mentioned remit for the study. This includes performing surgery for in vivo work, acquiring data using the available 2-photon systems and analysing data using dedicated software. 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
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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- A PhD (or be working towards a PhD) in Neuroscience or Biomedical science or a related discipline (assessed at: application/interview)
- A proven track record of research in an appropriate area of Neuroscience or biology (assessed at: application/interview)
- Expertise in working with transgenic mice (assessed at: application/interview)
- Expertise in 2-photon imaging (assessed at: application/interview)
- Expertise in imaging analyses using dedicated software (e.g. Python) (assessed at: application/interview)
- Expertise in animal surgery (assessed at: application/interview)
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application/interview)
- Experience of working as part of a collaborative team and a willingness to supervise PhD and undergraduate students (assessed at: application/interview)
- Ability to motivate high performance in others (assessed at: application/interview)
- Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience (assessed at: application/interview)
- Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: application/interview)
- Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities (assessed at: application/interview)
- Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research associated with current projects (assessed at: application/interview)
- Proven flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workloads (assessed at: application/interview)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,249 - £40,497 per annum
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: Fixed term for a period of three years (available immediately)
Line manager: Professor of Sensory Neuroscience (Principal Investigator)
Direct reports: None
Our website: School of Biosciences / Hearing Research Group
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Walter Marcotti: on w.marcotti@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk
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.