Overview

mRNA technology has emerged as one of the most promising and strategic technologies for rapid global vaccination, infectious disease control, biotherapeutics development, and preparedness for future healthcare challenges. Analytical methods including HPLC and Mass Spectrometry are used to comprehensively analyse a range of mRNA critical quality attributes including mRNA integrity and mRNA identity. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious bioanalytical scientist to fast-track their career development as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate, utilising analytical skills including HPLC and mass spectrometry for the analysis and characterisation of mRNA. You will be employed by the University of Sheffield, but based at RSSL in Reading, developing technology within the Bimolecular Analysis Department and the Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography technical communities in RSSL. As a KTP Associate, you will work with RSSL to embed new know-how using research and academic support from the University of Sheffield. You will be expected to be in Sheffield for approximately two months at the start of the project. Ad hoc short staying in Sheffield may also be required during the duration of the project. You will be project lead and have creative freedom to suggest changes and implement your ideas.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Deliver the project objectives as detailed in the KTP project work plan.
• Take a leading role in identifying, assessing, and addressing project risks and challenges on an ongoing basis to ensure successful completion of the project
• Collaborate with the supervisory teams in the University and RSSL to write and publish technical papers based on the project outcomes
• Maintain an up-to-date project plan and provide regular progress reports.
• Organise project technical and progress meetings
• Deliver presentations to immediate project team members and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University research profile through publications, collaborations, and knowledge exchange activities
• Contributing to the implementation of new services within RSSL, which are in line with the KTP project work plan. This will include: -responsibility of the technical aspects of the services -responsibility for the quality aspects of the service including GMP -collaborating with marketing to generate fit for purpose material -taking the lead working with potential contacts with customers -training other members of the team on mRNA sequencing by LC-MS and the other aspects of the project -active member of the Biomolecular Analysis team by actively participating to meetings, improvement plans and supporting as required the team in its growth
• Great opportunity to self-direct your professional development with the dedicated budget to support this
• Completion of all KTP Training and KTP Associate Final Report in a timely manner
• 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 research experience) in bioscience or (bio)chemical engineering, chemistry, bioengineering, or a related discipline (Assessed at application and interview)
• Analytical Chemistry knowledge including mass spectrometry (Assessed at application and interview)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to write technical reports (required by funder) showcasing the progress of the work (Assessed at application and interview)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences. (Assessed at application and interview)
• Ability to think critically, analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (Assessed at application and interview)
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work (Assessed at application and interview)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a timely manner. Being able to work with an industry partner and perform technology transfer (Assessed at application and interview)
• Ability and interest to present results at conferences. Ability to engage with vaccine manufacturers and other stakeholders. (Assessed at application and interview)

Desirable criteria

• Experience in molecular biology and RNA biochemistry (Assessed at application and interview)
• Hands on experience in HPLC and Mass Spectrometry (Assessed at application and interview)
• Awareness of challenges pertaining to manufacturing scale-up and good manufacturing practices (GMP) (Assessed at application and interview)
• Knowledge and experience in statistical design of experiments and data analysis (Assessed at application and interview)

Further Information

Grade: OFFSCALE

Salary: £32,000 - £40,000 depending on experience

Work arrangement: Full-time / Fixed Term for 24 months

Duration: 24 months

Line manager: Industrial Supervisor / Academic Supervisor / Knowledge based Supervisor

Direct reports: None

Our websites: School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering | CMBE | The University of Sheffield & Life Science & Food Services| Reading Scientific Services | RSSL

Please note: By applying, you are agreeing that we can share your information with RSSL

For informal enquiries about this job contact cbe-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place a couple of weeks after the closing date. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the next stage on week commencing 3rd March 2025

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 27 days annual leave including 8 statutory bank holidays. With an opportunity to purchase 5 additional days. Annual holiday year 1st January-31st December.
• 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
  • 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.