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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

A Research Assistant / Associate position, funded by a Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award in Science, is available in the research group of Prof. Dylan Childs. The grant is led by Prof. Michael Brockhurst at University of Manchester, together with lead investigators Prof Dylan Childs at the University of Sheffield, Profs Steve Paterson and Joanne Fothergill at the University of Liverpool, and Prof James Chalmers at the University of Dundee. You will be sited within the vibrant research environment of the School of Biosciences but will work closely with the collaborative network.

This Collaborative Award is investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of resistance to ciprofloxacin during treatment for chronic lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The overarching goal of the project is to discovering the mechanisms of resistance evolution and develop biomarkers that can predict which patients are at risk of developing resistance. Work at Manchester and Liverpool has focused on discovering the mechanisms of resistance in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa lung infections. This includes genomics and high-throughput phenotyping of P. aeruginosa.

The Sheffield arm of the project will develop statistical and machine learning models to identify and validate predictive biomarkers of resistance evolution in Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. As part of this work, the postholder will also explore the contribution of the host microbiome to resistance emergence, using concepts and tools from microbial and community ecology to understand the dynamics of these complex systems.

Applicants for the Research Associate, Grade 7 level, position must have a PhD in a quantitative biology discipline, statistics or machine learning along with a proven track record of research using statistical modelling or machine learning methods to tackle predictive questions. Proficiency in building and validating statistical methods and/or machine learning techniques in R or Python are also essential.

Applicants for the Research Assistant, Grade 6 level, position must have a BSc or MSc in a quantitative biology discipline, statistics or machine learning along with experience of research using statistical modelling or machine learning methods to tackle predictive questions. Proficiency in building and validating statistical methods and/or machine learning techniques in R or Python are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities (Research Associate)

• To take responsibility for effective decision-making in support of research, take initiative in developing research plans, and manage the day-to-day research tasks.
• To use data analysis and visualisation to understand the main characteristics of prospective biomarkers and identify relationships between them.
• To identify the most consistent, non-redundant, and relevant features to use in model construction.
• To select and apply appropriate techniques and methods for predictive model development and validation.
• To develop reproducible analyses, curate code on appropriate repositories, and ensure all data are securely stored and backed up.
• To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
• To draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.
• To prepare regular internal reports (as agreed) and contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.
• To liaise with postdoctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise and contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
• To undertake supervision of PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
• To be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting junior team members.
• To work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider Faculty.
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the School and the wider research community.
• To contribute to writing bids for future research grants.
• To promote the reputation of the research group, faculty, and the university as a whole.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Main duties and responsibilities (Research Assistant)

• To take responsibility for effective decision-making in support of research, take initiative in developing research plans with support from the PI, and manage the day-to-day research tasks.
• To use data analysis and visualisation to understand the main characteristics of prospective biomarkers and identify relationships between them.
• To identify the most consistent, non-redundant, and relevant features to use in model construction.
• To select and apply appropriate techniques and methods for predictive model development and validation.
• To develop reproducible analyses, curate code on appropriate repositories, and ensure all data are securely stored and backed up.
• To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
• To contribute towards drafting of publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.
• Contribute to the writing of research reports, progress reports, presentations and any other reporting obligations
• To liaise with postdoctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise and contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
• To support the supervision of UG/PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
• To be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting junior team members.
• To work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider Faculty.
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the School and the wider research community.
• To contribute to writing bids for future research grants.
• To promote the reputation of the research group, faculty, and the university as a whole.
• 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.

Research Associate:

Research Assistant:

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. This will consist of an interview including research presentation to panel members. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@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
• 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 : 22/09/2025 

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.