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 RNA platform technology has emerged as one of the most promising and strategic technologies for rapid global vaccination, infectious disease control, biotherapeutics development (e.g. to treat cancer), and preparedness for future healthcare challenges. Automated manufacturing solutions are needed to enable the rapid development and manufacturing of high-quality and low-cost vaccines against a wide range of diseases. To meet this need, we are building on our prior work and developing an end-to-end automated, continuous, compact, multi-product mRNA process-in-a-box: the RNAboxTM.

In this exciting research assistant role, you will be supporting the development of the RNAbox, already initiated with the engineering company Amodo Design. Your role will involve: 1) transfer the UoS mRNA manufacturing processes to Amodo, 2) test the parts and RNAbox built by Amodo, 3) liaise with project researchers/engineers and provide feedback on the RNAbox and support its improvement. Your work will focus on the formulation of mRNA into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), purification of mRNA-LNPs and analysis of the mRNA-LNP critical quality attributes.

Essential background and skills: undergraduate or graduate degree in (bio)chemical engineering or similar, strong communication, critical thinking, thorough documentation and teamwork skills.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Take initiative to develop innovative RNA vaccine production processes.
• In consultation with the principal investigator, design, set-up and run experiments to achieve the project aims.
• Run processes for the encapsulation of mRNA into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and processes for the purification of the mRNA-LNPs.
• Analyse the critical quality attributes of the produced mRNA-LNPs.
• Plan, develop and fine-tune existing lab and pilot-scale production processes for the manufacturing of RNA vaccines.
• Test and compare sub-components built by a collaborating engineering company (Amodo Design Ltd). Identify & recommend ways to improve process performance and product quality.
• Work closely with other researchers and engineers from other disciplines, for instance to plan research, share data, samples and best practice approaches, in support of research objectives.
• Write and document lab procedures, analyse & interpret data, maintain excellent scientific records, prepare reports, and participate in meetings with collaborators and funders.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Stay updated on scientific developments by reading academic papers, attending conferences, and participating in trainings. Lead the writing of research for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Supervise/advise research team/activities including the training of other users in the lab. Assist in the day-to-day management and delivery of the project, when required.
• Optionally, get involved in ongoing and future commercialisation activities. Contribute to the development of further research and funding proposals.
• Demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, following all guidelines, procedures etc., escalating any concerns as appropriate.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• 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 MEng, MSc (or equivalent) degree in (bio)chemical engineering, (bio)process engineering, biotechnology, chemistry or a related discipline (assessed at: application/interview).
• Experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or chemistry (assessed at: application/interview).
• Experimental manufacturing process development skills or similar wet-lab skills related to (bio)pharmaceutical or chemicals manufacturing (preferably mRNA manufacturing). Batch and continuous process skills (assessed at: application/interview).
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to prepare and present technical presentations (required by the funder) showcasing the progress of the work (assessed at: application/interview).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences (assessed at: application/interview).
• Ability to think critically, analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: application/interview).
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan, progress and document work activities with a high degree of accuracy (assessed at: application/interview).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a timely manner. Being able to work with an industry partner and perform technology transfer (assessed at: application/interview).

Desirable criteria

• Awareness of challenges pertaining to manufacturing scale-up and good manufacturing practices (GMP) (assessed at: application/interview).
• Experience in statistical design of experiments and data analysis. Proven track record of high-quality research and peer-reviewed publications (assessed at: application/interview).

Further Information

Grade: 6

Duration: until 30 September 2025

Line manager: Principal Investigator

Direct reports: N/A

For informal enquiries about this job contact cbe-recruiters@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. If you are shortlisted for interview and require reasonable adjustments please contact cbe-recruiters@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
  • 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 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 recognizes and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.