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

Applications are invited for the post of Research Assistant within an internationally recognised research group in a vibrant and stimulating environment at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join an exciting project. This post is at the translational medicine interface in motor neuron disease (MND) research, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

We are looking for a practically skilled, well-organised and committed Research Assistant to support laboratory, administrative and data analysis aspects of an ongoing research study which aims to improve nutritional and metabolic assessment in MND. You will be expected to follow laboratory protocols, keep excellent experimental records, conduct systematic literature searches, assist with manuscript preparation and analyse anonymised participant data. Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills are expected.

Potential candidates will have a strong background in cellular biology and must be strongly motivated, self-driven, able to accept direction and be an excellent team player.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Demonstrate a high level of competence in tissue culture, molecular and cellular biology techniques and particularly metabolic cell-based assays.
• Assist the research team with laboratory experiments.
• Keep excellent scientific records, help to analyse and interpret experimental data and prepare scientific reports
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of relevant scientific developments in the field
• Teamwork - be reliable in performing your duties and co-ordinate activities with other group members
• Conduct detailed data analysis of anonymised data
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Any 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 during April 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact smph-west-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
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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 recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.