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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

The Thomson Lab at the University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our team investigating RNA modifications in a human stem cell and differentiation model. The successful candidate will perform cutting-edge direct rRNA sequencing analysis to profile rRNA modifications, contributing to our understanding of their role in stem cell biology and lineage commitment. 

Applicants must have a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent experience) in cell or molecular biology and experience with culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Experience in analysis of nanopore direct RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry are also essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a high-impact project within a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Human embryonic stem cell culture: Maintain and culture human embryonic stem cells, performing routine maintenance and quality control using FACs, qPCR and low pass sequencing. 

• Stem Cell Differentiation: Conduct trilineage differentiation experiments (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) on human stem cell lines and perform quality control. 

• Perform Direct RNA Sequencing: Execute direct RNA sequencing experiments, ensuring high-quality data generation. You'll also provide guidance and training to other lab members on these techniques.

• Bioinformatics Analysis: Analyse direct RNA sequencing data using Dorado, and effectively visualize and interpret results using R.

• CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: Design and implement CRISPR-Cas9 experiments to investigate the functional impact of identified lineage-specific or pluripotent RNA modifications.

• Disseminate research findings through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentation either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars.

• Provide support to PI for research proposals and funding applications.

• Deal with reactive requests relating to supervision of research staff and students.

• Participate in collaborative meetings and seminars.

• 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.

• 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 following interview of shortlisted candidates. 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 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 41 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 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.

Closing Date : 30/04/2026 

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.