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
We are seeking technician to join our multidisciplinary team studying how the immune system controls infection. Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is fungal infection of immunocompromised responsible for 100, 000 deaths globally each year and 20% of AIDS related deaths. In this project, we are studying a new way that macrophage immune cells can ingest and kill Cryptococcus. We have discovered that macrophages have sub-micron ridges on their surface which enhances their ability to interact and phagocytose Cryptococcus.
You will have a degree and research laboratory experience in biology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and be proficient in a variety of relevant techniques (e.g. cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology). Previous experience working with in vivo models is desirable but not essential. The project will include live imaging of host pathogen interactions in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo, therefore some experience of microscopy is required. You will be able to contribute significantly to the ongoing research of the Johnston lab, by supporting, enabling and performing experiments along with the team. You will become a member of a passionate scientific research team that aims to understand fundamental aspects of biology relating to human disease. Your career development will be well supported and your development as a research scientist will be encouraged.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Support and enable host pathogen interactions experiments in diverse experimental models of infection and immunity
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team across human infection, in vivo and cell models, analytical and computational theoretical models.
- Maintain a safe working environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and undertaking of risk assessments.
- Take responsibility for laboratory management including maintaining stock levels, external ordering and organising equipment maintenance.
- With other members of the team, design, develop and refine experiments to obtain reliable data.
- Carry out research and development of experimental methods necessary to the aims of the project.
- Maintain an accurate and complete record of duties performed, including experiments.
- Provide help to other researchers in the same group and other groups with related research interests.
- 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 BSc Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area (assessed at: application/interview).
- Experience of laboratory research methods and techniques (assessed at: application/interview).
- Experience of microscopy (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to hold a Home Office Personal Licence (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to plan and conduct experiments (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to manage time and prioritise workload effectively with the ability to develop creating solutions to problems (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to work as part of a team with varied skills, disciplinary background and experience and to maintain effective communication with team members and collaborators (assessed at: application/interview).
- Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records (assessed at: application/interview).
- Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting (assessed at: application/interview).
Further Information
Grade: 5 - £26,642 - £29,659 pro-rata
Hours of work: 17.5 hours per week
Duration: ASAP to 30/06/2028
Line manager: Senior Research Fellow
Direct reports: N/A
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Staffing Team on clinmed-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on in mid to late January 2025. This will consist of a research presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in mid-January 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team at clinmed-staffing@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 38 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: Technical Career Route.
- 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.