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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

This post is for a Research Associate in the field of vascular biology to work on a BHF-funded Research Project investigating the role of extracellular vesicles in atherosclerosis. The project involves a collaboration between the groups of Dr Ridger and Professor Francis at the University of Sheffield (School of Medicine and Population Health) and Professor Jørgensen at the University of Cambridge (The Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute). The project provides the opportunity of a 4 month placement in Cambridge to undertake in vivo experiments and single-cell RNA sequencing. The Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research under the guidance of Dr Ridger, contributing to the advancement of our understanding of the role of extracellular vesicles in atherosclerosis. You will have an opportunity to further develop research expertise, cultivate grant writing skills, and contribute to scientific publications. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and be committed to scientific rigor and ethical conduct.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all relevant ethical and safety regulations.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate the role of extracellular vesicles in atherosclerotic plaque development using established cell biology techniques (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, Western blotting) and functional assays (e.g. cell migration, lipid uptake/efflux).
• Isolate primary leukocytes from human and mouse peripheral blood. Isolate and characterise neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles in accordance with ISEV guidelines.
• Maintain and manage mouse models of atherosclerosis, including performing relevant in vivo experiments and tissue collection.
• Isolate cells from atherosclerotic plaques and prepare samples for single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Perform bioinformatics analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data to identify novel EV-related pathways and cell-cell communication networks (training will be provided if necessary, but prior experience is an advantage).
• Interpret, analyse, and present research findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and national/international conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of junior researchers (e.g., PhD students, MSc, MBChB students).
• Actively participate in the intellectual life of both collaborating laboratories, fostering a strong collaborative environment.
• Contribute to grant writing and funding applications.
• 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 on 1 August 2025. This will consist of a presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 28 July 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Dr Ridger.

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 schemes;
• 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.