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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

We are looking to appoint an ambitious and creative Research Associate to join the research group led by Dr Matt Towers. The successful applicant will work on a three-year BBSRC-funded project investigating how the pattern of skeletal structures is specified in chick limbs. This project can involve complementary systems including a powerful chick wing tissue explant system we have recently developed and catshark embryos to test evolutionary predictions. The successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and implementing innovative experiments, working closely within a multidisciplinary team of senior scientists, a senior technician and PhD students.

Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in areas related to developmental biology. Practical experience in embryology and a good theoretical knowledge of developmental biology is essential. Experience in light-sheet/confocal microscopy, HCR in situ techniques, RNA/ATAC-sequencing and bioinformatics is desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and be able to work to a high standard.

The role offers excellent opportunities for independent research, student supervision, and international collaboration. The University of Sheffield provides outstanding facilities and a collaborative research environment within one of the UK’s leading developmental biology research clusters, with access to advanced imaging platforms and embryology facilities.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake experiments on developing chick limbs to investigate how the pattern of skeletal elements is specified.

• Perform experiments on a recently developed ex vivo chick wing tissue explant system. 

• Carry out RNA/ATAC sequencing experiments and data analysis.

• Analyse and accurately record data to aid the design of future research and produce useful findings for other academics, funders, policy makers and practitioners.

• Plan and prepare several months in advance for experiments, publications, and conference presentations.

• Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research Group, e.g., reports, data summaries, manuscripts, and grant applications.

• Mentor and support PhD students or research technicians where appropriate.

• Maintain compliance with health, safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements in the laboratory.

• Carry out administrative roles or other relevant duties commensurate with the grade, required by the Head of the Research Group.

• Take responsibility for professional development and keeping up to date with advances in developmental biology and experimental/embryological techniques.

• 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 advertised closing date. This will consist of an online interview, presentation from candidates to the selection panel. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@shefield.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 schemes; 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.

Closing Date : 25/02/2026 

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.