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Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). SITraN is a purpose built research facility which was opened in November 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen and awarded the Queen's Anniversary prize for higher education in 2020 in recognition of having made an outstanding positive impact in patient's lives from Neuroscience research. We were also awarded the British Neuroscience Outstanding Contribution Award in 2022. The Institute houses clinical and basic scientists from the Division of Neuroscience and the primary focus is research into neurodegenerative disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting translational research project to assess potential new compounds as a pharmacological approach for neuroprotection in human cellular models of ALS/MND.
This post is for Maternity leave cover, but with the possibility to extend beyond this.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Design, set-up and run experiments in relation to the project after consultation with the Principal Investigator.
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in in vitro techniques, particularly human cells, immunocytochemistry, imaging and cell based assays.
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in molecular and cellular biology techniques, particularly gene and protein expression analysis in neurons and immunohistochemistry.
- Keep excellent scientific records and analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare reports and participate in conference calls with the funding body.
- Prepare papers for journals / presentations either in-house or at national / international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
- Write and document lab procedures, protocols and study design.
- Undertake other tasks related to the project as requested by the line manager.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of relevant scientific developments in the field.
- Teamwork- provide help to other researchers in the same laboratory in related fields of research, co-ordinate activities with other group members and industrial partners.
- Plan for specific aspects of the research programme as discussed with the supervisor of the project.
- Assist in the day-to-day management and delivery of the project.
- For each particular hypothesis, plan for own contribution up to three months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims. Design individual experiments weekly.
- Supervise research team/activities including the work of graduate students if required.
- Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
- Order all reagents/consumables required for the experimental work.
- Liaise with staff from other Departments or outside agencies.
- 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in motor neuron disease molecular or cellular biology, or neuroscience research (assessed at application)
- Generic IT skills, including the ability to use statistical programs (Graph Pad Prism), in addition to Microsoft Office suite (assessed at application)
- Experience of designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data and experience in statistical methods and analysis (assessed at application)
- Knowledge of and compliance with good laboratory practice (assessed at application/ interview)
- Awareness of laboratory safety and general laboratory competence (assessed at application/interview)
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations; communicating to staff at all levels the organization's strategic plan and their personal contribution towards it (assessed at application)
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines (assessed at interview)
- Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records. (assessed at application/interview)
- Good organizational and time management skills (assessed at interview)
- Experience of working with human iPSCs in the context of neuroscience (assessed at application/interview)
- Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving (assessed at interview)
Desirable criteria
- Experience of in vivo experimentation and behavioural and/or pathological assessment with Home Office license or equivalent (assessed at application)
- Experience of mammalian cell culture, including human derived iPSC or iNPC handling and differentiation into neuronal subtypes (assessed at application)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,249 to £46,735 per annum
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: 1st April to 30th November 2025
Line manager: Professor of Neurology
Direct reports: None
Our website:
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw: on pamela.shaw@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 2222295
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within two weeks of the post closing. This will consist of an interview and a tour of the labs at SITraN. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing within one week of the post closing. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact rebecca.brown@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.
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.