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Overview

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the research group led by Professor Ivana Barbaric. This work is part of a Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded project investigating genetic changes in human embryonic stem cells that may affect the safety and efficacy of cell therapy. The successful applicant will provide support for routine human embryonic stem cell (hESC) culture and differentiation, preparation of samples and analysis. General lab management duties will also be required.

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology along with a strong background in stem cell biology. Experience with the following techniques are also essential: hESC culture, RNA and DNA extraction; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy. Experience in flow cytometry and hESC differentiation are desirable.

Information on the Barbaric lab can be found here:

• https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/ivana-barbaric
• https://www.thebarbariclab.com/

Main duties and responsibilities

• Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out routine culture, differentiation and harvesting of various hESC cell lines.
• Analysis of harvested samples e.g. by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and qPCR.
• Assist in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Provide assistance to other members of the laboratory when required. 
• Accurately record results, providing analysis and presenting findings to colleagues.
• Carry out lab management tasks e.g. stock maintenance, reagent purchasing etc.
• Be involved with the development and testing of new techniques/approaches, including the monitoring and maintenance of equipment and systems for use by staff and students.
• Contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication in international journals.
• Contribute to helping group members and training undergraduate/MSc students in the lab.
• Contribute to the group’s wider dissemination of research through outreach and public engagement activities.
• Prioritise own work within a general schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist the PI and other staff in planning future work, including coordinating arrangements and delegating tasks to others.
• Analyse and problem solve to understand and interpret information and make recommendations, e.g., skills for analysing data and reports, diagnosing, and troubleshooting technical equipment.
• Attend all required safety and training courses, comply with required safety, licensing, and technical regulations, and assist the PI in ensuring the lab is also compliant.

• 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

• BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology [assessed at Application]
• Experience with the following techniques: hESC culture, RNA and DNA extraction; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy assessed at Application / Interview]
• Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software [assessed at Application / Interview]
• Effective written and verbal communication skills: report writing, delivering presentations, developing relationships and working successfully with collaborators and partners. [assessed at Application / Interview]
• Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines. [assessed at Application / Interview]
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and adapt own skills to new circumstances. [assessed at Application / Interview]

Desirable criteria

• Experience in flow cytometry [assessed at Application / Interview]
• Experience in hESC differentiation [assessed at Application / Interview]

Further Information

Grade: 6

Duration: Start date: as soon as possible; End date: 26 February 2026

Line manager: Principle Investigator

Direct reports: None

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ivana Barbaric (i.barbaric@sheffield.ac.uk)

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. Contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk if you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments.

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.
• 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.

Closing Date : 06/03/2025 

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.