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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 a highly motivated, experienced individual for the position of Research Assistant in Dr Gillian Tomlinson’s laboratory, within a vibrant scientific environment at the University of Sheffield. We take an innovative approach with an emphasis on using zebrafish models to investigate human infectious diseases. The principal aim of this exciting project is to understand the role of type I interferons in host immune responses to bacterial infection. You will contribute fundamental new insights into how to generate beneficial inflammatory responses that clear bacteria without tissue damage.

You will have an MSc (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant subject and be competent in a variety of molecular biology techniques. You should have a keen interest in research focussed on host-pathogen interactions. Previous experience of zebrafish work including microinjection, genetic manipulation and in vivo imaging are essential. The project involves a wide range of methodologies including CRISPR genome editing, zebrafish larval bacterial infection models and in vivo imaging of host-pathogen interactions in zebrafish. We will undertake transcriptomic assessments of in vivo immune responses to bacterial infection using qPCR, and potentially also RNAseq and computational bioinformatics.

You will be integrated within a broader network of dynamic, enthusiastic researchers using zebrafish infection models to understand human infectious diseases. Your career development will be well supported and specific training in zebrafish infection work and bioinformatic analysis will be provided where necessary.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake laboratory and zebrafish experiments and data analysis under the supervision of Dr G Tomlinson. Principally, this will involve generation of CRISPant zebrafish larvae and in vivo experiments to evaluate outcomes of bacterial infection.
• Maintain accurate electronic and/or hard copy records of protocols, data and analysis.
• Attend research team meetings.
• Prepare reports and presentations of laboratory work for seminars, manuscripts for publication, public engagement initiatives and funding bodies.
• Contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students as requested.
• Support other members of the group and other groups with related interests within the Division and collaborators in their research roles.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required, including teaching and supervision of undergraduate or post-graduate students.
• Actively follow the University of Sheffield policies on Health and Safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Research Governance and Research Ethics.
• 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

• An MSc (or equivalent degree) in a relevant subject area.
• Experience of immunological research focussed on host-pathogen interactions.
• Experience of working with zebrafish including microinjection and in vivo imaging.
• Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Competence in molecular and cellular biology techniques including RNA and DNA extraction, qPCR, PCR, cloning and tissue culture.
• Working knowledge of data management and presentation software applications.
• Ability to work safely.
• Ability to work autonomously, organise and prioritise work.
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of work performed, data and analysis.
• Ability to react effectively to requests from the team leader and other colleagues.
• Ability to use initiative to resolve difficulties.

All essential criteria will be assessed at application form stage, and if the candidate is shortlisted, at interview.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of computational scripting (e.g. R, Python, Matlab, Perl).
• Experience of transcriptomic data analysis, bioinformatics and statistics.

Both desirable criteria will be assessed at application form stage, and if the candidate is shortlisted, at interview.

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £31,637 - £33,482

Work arrangement: Full-time / Part-time (please specify in your application which you are applying for)

Duration: Start no later than 1/7/2025 and end by 30/6/2027

Line manager: Senior Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine

Direct reports: Senior Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/smph

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Dr Gillian Tomlinson, Senior Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine: on

gillian.tomlinson@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place between 19-22 May 2025, TBC. This will consist of an interview, including a presentation. Candidates will have the opportunity to have a tour of the facilities on the day of interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 12 May 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact 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; 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.

Closing Date : 02/05/2025 

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.