Research Associate

Job Description

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

 

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate with the potential to become a leader in the field of cell and developmental biology. You will join Dr. Iwan Evans' group to study how macrophages are retained at site of inflammation following wounding using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.

 

The Evans lab focuses on the control of macrophage function in vivo using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Drosophila contain a population of highly migratory macrophage-like cells that share many functions in common with their vertebrate counterparts. We use cutting-edge imaging technology to analyse the cellular biology of these fascinating cells in real time within the context of a living and developing organism. Using the power of fly genetics, we are able to modulate the environment these macrophages face and can challenge them with disease-relevant stimuli such as (laser-induced) wounds, apoptotic cell death and infection.

 

This BBSRC-funded position aims to identify mechanisms retaining macrophages at sites of inflammation using Drosophila genetics in parallel with proteomic approaches.  Inappropriate retention of macrophages at sites of inflammation is associated with a broad range of human disease conditions. Importantly, we have recently identified a receptor required for retention of macrophages at wounds (Roddie et al., 2019 PLoS Biology). This project builds on that work to establish downstream mechanisms in this process.

 

The successful candidate will have a background and research expertise in the use of model organisms and imaged approaches in biomedical research, alongside biochemical and molecular biology skills.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Play a key role in the conception, design and execution of studies to determine the mechanisms by which macrophages are maintained at sites of inflammation/damage using fruit fly embryos
  • Conduct proteomic screen using Drosophila cell lines to understand changes induced following challenge with necrotic debris (to model contact of macrophages and debris at wound sites)
  • Contribute to other projects led or previously established by other group members and our collaborators in related research projects
  • Be responsible for the generation, analysis and interpretation of experimental data and identify issues and implement strategies to overcome challenges
  • Ensure the quality of experimental data, robustness of results and methodologies used
  • Have and maintain skills and experience to be fully conversant with the operation and validation of all items of equipment or IT needed for experimentation, data analysis, storage and data entry. Experience in bioinformatics and analysis of large datasets will be desirable
  • Attend regular laboratory meetings and assist in supervision of PhD, MSc and BSc students in the group
  • Assist in the day-to-day running of the laboratory
  • Present data at regular laboratory and divisional meetings and at national and international scientific meetings
  • Contribute to the writing of research papers in high quality, international journals.
  • Work flexibly across laboratories as required
  • Coordinate and liaise with other members of the Division/School
  • Supervise research activities as required
  • Read academic papers and attend meetings, seminars etc. to keep abreast of developments in the field
  • 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

 

  • PhD in Biological Sciences or related area (assessed at application/interview)
  • Strong practical experience of the use of Drosophila (or another genetically-tractable, multicellular model organism) within a substantial research project, e.g., one that includes husbandry, crosses and genetic analysis (assessed at application/interview)
  • Interest/background in cell biology, developmental biology, immunology and/or inflammation (assessed at application/interview)
  • Experience in the use of microscopy/live imaging in biological research and associated techniques (assessed at application/interview)
  • Practical experience of molecular biology, including molecular cloning (assessed at application/interview)
  • High organisational ability and well-developed communication skills (assessed at application/interview)
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office and specialised packages such as Prism, ImageJ/Imaris and Photoshop (or equivalents), to assemble figures, write reports and presentations (assessed at application/interview)
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (assessed at application/interview)
  • Ability to work independently and use initiative (assessed at application/interview)
  • Ability to work constructively and effectively within a team (assessed at application/interview)
  • Ability to adhere to research protocols, maintain study deadlines and keep meticulous notes of experiments undertaken (assessed at application/interview)

 

Desirable criteria

 

  • Experience of supervising PhD, MSc and undergraduate students within the laboratory environment (assessed at application/interview)
  • Experience handling and analysing large datasets, e.g., next generation sequencing, transcriptional profiling, proteomic data (assessed at application/interview)

 

Further Information

Grade: 7.3

Salary: £37,999

Duration: 10th March 2025-31st August 2026 (18 months)

Line manager: Dr Iwan Evans

Direct reports: Dr Iwan Evans and Dr Stephen Brown (co-applicants on BBSRC project grant)

 

For informal enquiries about this job contact:
Dr Iwan Evans: via i.r.evans@sheffield.ac.uk

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in mid to late February 2025. This will consist of an interview that includes a research presentation; a tour of our labs and facilities will also be provided. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Dr Iwan Evans via i.r.evans@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 commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
  • 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.

 

Closing Date : 13/02/2025 

 

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.