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Applications are invited for a Research Associate (RA), funded by UKRI from March 2025 for 6 months, with the possibility of extension dependent on the available funding. The post is part of a the highly collaborative Digital Research Infrastructure Integrative Molecular Biology (DRI-IMB) project to future scope how biomolecular simulations can be combined with other biophysical tools such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Areas such as atomic force and light microscopy, mass spectrometry bioinformatics and ohmics are all within remit.
The DRI-IMB program is a community based project combining the expertise of the collaborative computational projects (CCPs) in X-ray (CCP4), NMR (CCPN), cryo-EM (CCP-EM) with biomolecular simulations (CCPBioSim). You will be part of team of around 17 computational experts split between Sheffield, Leicester and the national laboratories at Daresbury and Harwell responsible for supporting our respective CCP communities.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Provide the interdisciplinary skills and intellectual input to understand how to combine biomolecular simulations with experimental biophysical tools in new ways.
- To develop prototype software tools for integrating biomolecular simulations with biophysical experiments in new ways.
- Interact with and help other members of the UK CCP communities, e.g. supporting CCPBioSim training events and expert community workshops for future-scoping.
- Discuss the required software development with the DRI-IMB team and agree on a strategy to complete the planned work during the project or in the future.
- Keep appropriate records of all work carried out and ideas generated.
- Analyse and record data and the software developed to inform the design of future computational tools, adhering to the FAIR data principles wherever possible.
- Write supporting documents (such as protocols, reports, etc.) to support the research group and carry our administrative roles as required.
- Provide support to other members of the research team in the DRI-IMB collaboration and in your local research group in related fields of research.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
- 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.
- Assist with the writing of the future-scoping document to inform UKRI of the software and e-Infrastructure support needed for biomolecular simulations in the future.
- 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
- Have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in physical, computational science or life science
- Have extensive experience of providing computational support to researchers using biophysical approaches to understand biological systems
- Have effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience of working in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Evidence of working practices that align with good practise with respect to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and positive Wellbeing
- Ability to work effectively both as an individual and as a member of a team
- Have experience of one or more computational tools such as biomolecular simulation codes (Amber/Gromacs/NAMD/Lammps), bioinformatics or ohmics methods or analysis of biological imaging datasets
- Have experience of developing scientific code (e.g., in Matlab or Python) for analysing data and/or images
- Have an interest in developing software tools that support research communities
Desirable criteria
- Have a proven ability to write up research for publication in scientific journals.
- Have experience of presenting research at international conferences
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £37,999 - £45,585 per annum
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration:01.03.2025-31.11.2025
Line manager: Professor, Materials and Biological Physics
Direct reports: N/A
Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof Sarah Harris, Professor, Materials and Biological Physics on sarah.harris@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 10 March 2025 (subject to change). This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3 March 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact hicks-hr@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; iA 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.