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 a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to join a collaborative research programme investigating the role of synaptic dysfunction and impaired neurotransmission in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD).

You will work within a team of two PDRAs and two senior research technicians under a 5-year MRC-funded collaborative research programme.

In this post you will lead the maintenance of curated iPSCs and the generation of iPSC-derived neuronal cultures in which synaptic function will be examined using state-of-the-art electrophysiological and microscopy-based assays.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Prof Kurt De Vos (k.de_vos@sheffield.ac.uk) and Dr Matthew Livesey (m.r.livesey@sheffield.ac.uk) to discuss the project prior to application.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake research in line with project requirements.
• To set-up and run experiments in relation to the project in consultation with the PIs
• Manage data collection, analysis and storage on a day-to-day basis.
• Work independently and as part of a team to deliver the research objectives in line with the project outline.
• Direct the work of supporting technicians
• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the study.
• Take a lead role in the analysis, interpretation and writing up of data
• Read and review literature as appropriate.
• Assist in the writing of the project reports and publications.
• Contribute to conference presentations, research advisory group meetings
• Attend and contribute to project/lab meetings and research advisory group meetings.
• Support project reporting requirements, including research project progress reports and finance management and reporting
• Contribute to the supervision and support of PhD students and MSc students working in the lab

• 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 shortly after the advert closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible.  If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team at clinmed-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 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 commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring scheme 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.

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.