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Overview
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to join a collaborative research project in the groups of Prof Kurt De Vos and Prof Dame Pamela Shaw at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK.
You will work on a 2-year drug discovery project funded by the Darby/Rimmer MND foundation with the aim to develop novel therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Building on our previous work we will validate a number of drug candidates focused on restoring protein homeostasis in ALS caused by mutations in C9orf72.
In this post, you will, under direction of the PIs, be expected to design, execute and interpret experiments, compile reports and publications, and to present at lab group and scientific meetings, as well as to coordinate and direct the work of technicians supporting the project.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Prof Kurt De Vos ( k.de_vos@sheffield.ac.uk ) and Prof Dame Pamela Shaw ( pamela.shaw@sheffield.ac.uk ) to discuss the project prior to application.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Undertake research in line with project requirements.
- To set-up and run experiments in relation to the project in consultation with the PIs.
- Manage data collection, analysis and storage on a day-to-day basis.
- Work independently and as part of a team to deliver the research objectives in line with the project outline.
- Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the study.
- Take a lead role in the analysis, interpretation and writing up of data.
- Read and review literature as appropriate.
- Assist in the writing of the project reports and publications.
- Contribute to conference presentations, research advisory group meetings
- Attend and contribute to project/lab meetings and research advisory group meetings.
- Support project reporting requirements, including research project progress reports and finance management and reporting.
- Contribute to the supervision and support of PhD students and MSc students working in the lab.
- 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 in neuroscience, molecular/cell biology or a related discipline (applicants near completion of their PhD are welcome to apply) (Assessed at Application).
- Experience of delivering high quality research (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Strong molecular and cell (neuro)biology experience, including experience of cell culture of mammalian cell lines, and molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory skills (Immunoblot, Immunofluorescence, Cloning, PCR) (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Generic IT skills, including the ability to use statistical programs (e.g. Graph Pad Prism, R), in addition to Microsoft Office suite (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Knowledge of and compliance with good laboratory practice (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Awareness of laboratory safety and general laboratory competence (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the University and externally, with researchers, clinicians and members of the public involved in the studies (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Experience of fluorescence microscopy, ideally including high content widefield and confocal microscopy (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Experience with image analysis techniques and software such as ImageJ, CellProfiler, CellPose, Ilastik, ImageJ, ) (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Experience in human in vitro iPSC-based models (neurons and astrocytes) (Assessed at Application/Interview).
Desirable criteria
- Experience of the development, implementation, validation of high content drug discovery assays (Assessed at Application/Interview).
- Experience of using Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) ELISA assays (Assessed at Application/Interview).
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,249 to £46,735
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: Available immediately - latest 1st July 2025 for 24 months
Line manager: Professor of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Direct reports: None
Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sitran
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Kurt De Vos: on k.de_vos@sheffield.ac.uk
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.