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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 seek a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the group of Dr Helen Matthews to assist with the completion of a Wellcome Trust-funded research project on the role of keratins in cell division. You will work as part of a small team in a vibrant research environment within the School of Biosciences. This role offers you the opportunity to complete an exciting multidisciplinary project combining cell biology, microscopy and biophysical approaches. You will also gain experience of research dissemination by contributing to writing a scientific paper and presenting at group meetings and conferences. 

We are seeking candidates with a Masters degree (or equivalent experience) in a bioscience subject, with proficiency in carrying out and analysing atomic force microscopy experiments to measure cell mechanics. Experience of constructing stable fluorescently-tagged MCF10A cell lines, advanced microscopy techniques to image keratin filaments, proficiency in automated image analysis using CellPose and Fiji along with knowledge of keratin biology are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake research to support the completion of a research project on the role of keratins in the mechanobiology of cell division

• Carry out atomic force microscopy measurements of cell mechanics for this project and to assist other projects within the lab

• Construct and image fluorescently labelled cell lines to study keratin dynamics

• Carry out automated image analysis of microscopy images for the project and to assist other projects within the lab

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings.

• Contribute to the writing of research papers.

• Disseminate the results via journals, conference presentations, and project meetings.

• Develop his/her scientific background, specialist knowledge and scientific contacts. 

• Attend national and international conferences and workshops to present the research results to a wider audience 

• Stay up to date with current advances in the field.

• Contribute to lab organisation through shared tasks

• 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.

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. 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; 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 : 17/03/2026 

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.