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

The Christie lab is a nascent research group focused on the metabolic regulation of the mammalian brain. Led by the neuroscientist Isabel Christie, the group focuses on understanding gas homeostasis in the brain with a particular focus on oxygen regulation. Since neuronal computation is tightly coupled with oxygen availability, Isabel is interested in how metabolic mechanisms fail as people age and cognitive decline occurs. Western countries face the challenge of caring for an ageing population where any extension of brain health is valuable. Cardiovascular health is closely correlated with healthy ageing and exercise is the best preventative measure against dementia. Meanwhile brain blood flow declines as people age (Christie et al. 2022). Therefore it follows that preserving cerebral perfusion as people age with various comorbidities (hypertension, hypotension, obesity) will preserve oxygen supply to the brain. MRI and two photon imaging are used in animal models to understand the fundamental physiology of cerebral perfusion and gas exchange. Human research using MRI is anticipated in the future as this lab grows.

The role offered here is research assistant for 12 months. Potential progression to PhD depending on performance during the initial period.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Admin - ordering consumables, tracking cost and use of consumables
• PIL training - opportunity to acquire a personal license from the Home Office for work with animals in research
• Assist with in vivo physiology and pharmacology based experiments
• Assist with pre-clinical MRI experiments using 7T Bruker scanner 
• Precise preparation of pharmacological solutions.
• Animal handling and potential to learn microsurgery skills
• 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 in Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or a similar subject.
• Interest in undertaking a PhD (assessed at interview)
• A passion for hypothesis driven research
• Maths competency and experience with statistics in research
• Software competency: ImageJ, Matlab, Graphpad Prism, R
• Evidence of Github use
• An interest in cardiovascular physiology demonstrated through research projects or studies
• An interest or awareness ‘Open Research’ initiatives
• Meritocratic attitude in the working environment, firm understanding in the value of diversity and inclusion
• Work experience in any setting (catering, retail etc)

Desirable criteria

• PIL course completion (assessed at application)
• Co-author on a peer reviewed scientific research article (assessed at application)

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £31,637-£32,546

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 6th October 2025 - 2nd October 2026

Line manager: Principal Investigator, Isabel Christie

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: izzynchristie.wordpress.com

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Isabel Christie, Wellcome Trust Career Development Researcher: on i.christie@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 8th July. This will consist of an interview, test and tour. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27th June. 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.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

Criminal record A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 15.05.2025 

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.