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

We are seeking an independent and motivated Research Associate to work in the laboratory of Professor Ivana Barbaric at the University of Sheffield. 

Our group has been studying the causes of aneuploidy in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and the implications of recurrent aneuploidies for applications of hPSCs in regenerative medicine. In the advertised project, we will utilise our well-curated aneuploid hPSC lines and combine them with hPSC-based embryo models to determine the impact of aneuploidy on cell survival, differentiation and patterning during early development and identify pathways dysregulated by aneuploidy. We expect that these results will provide mechanistic insights into effects of aneuploidy on human embryo development and provide future strategies for minimising the impact of aneuploidy on embryogenesis.

Applicants must have a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent experience) in cell or developmental biology, or a related field. Experience with culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is also essential. Applicants must be self-motivated, well-organised, highly independent, and willing to work with other members of the existing research team. Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills are essential. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct personal research of international standing into the above-mentioned remit for the study. Moreover, the postholder needs to be able to identify literature and update own knowledge, assessing the validity of the relevant literature and its contribution to the development of own field.

• Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress and initiate and implement relevant programmes of research.

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

• Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment.

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

• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.

• Delegate and monitor the work of research students.

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

• Participate in consortium meetings and seminars, in particular with collaborators.

• Plan up to several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.

• 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.