Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in molecular biology and neuropathology to join our Motor Neurone Disease (MND)/Neurodegeneration clinical research programme. You will have the opportunity to be part of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (Translational Neuroscience for Chronic Neurological Disorders) Junior Academy and gain an appreciation of a wide variety of translational neuroscience research programmes. 

The focus of the role will be the neuropathological characterisation of newly identified genetic drivers of MND including CCDC146, WDR49 and ZNF839. All three genetic dirvers have been identified through our approach joining cell biology with large scale genotyping via machine learning; see for example Zhang et al 2022, 2024. Neuropathology is essential to determine the relationship between newly discovered genetic drivers and pathological hallmarks of disease such as mislocalisation of TDP-43. Increasingly we are also utilising cutting-edge medium-high throughput technology such as spatial transcriptomics, spatial metabolomics and spatial proteomics.

You will also have the opportunity to develop your own research project aligned to the interests of the MND group. This could include new machine learning models or exploring a particular aspect of MND biology.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, develop and refine methodology for characterisation of new and established neuropathological hallmarks of MND.
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations either in-house or at national / international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences
• Contribute to research group planning.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress. Supervise research team/activities if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results with daily planning to accommodate new developments.
• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
• 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 around late April 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage after the job advert closes. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact smph-west-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 schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• 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.