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 on a Yorkshire Cancer Research-funded project. This position is available in the laboratory of Dr Mark Collins in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. The project is a close collaboration with Professor Janet Brown, who leads the Clinical Bone Oncology and Biomarkers Group in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield. Together, we have been using advanced proteomic methods to understand prostate cancer metastasis to bone and to develop biomarkers to predict someone’s risk of secondary prostate cancer

In this project, we will study a panel of protein biomarkers related to bone remodelling, some of which may promote prostate cancer metastasis to bone. We will exploit a recently installed BBSRC-funded timsTOF FLEX MALDI-2 mass spectrometry platform to image the spatial distribution of this protein panel at cellular resolution in mouse and human bone sections using highly multiplexed MALDI-IHC.

The candidate for this post will hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral-level work experience) in mass spectrometry imaging, ideally with previous experience in MALDI-IHC. 

The candidate must be self-motivated, well-organised, highly independent, and willing to work with other members of the existing research teams and technical specialists at the biOMICS Mass spectrometry facility. Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Project Execution: Design and perform experiments as required to achieve the project’s work package aims. This includes utilising the following techniques (not an exhaustive list):

• Implement a MALDI-IHC workflow for the analysis of a panel of proteins in bone sections, including validation of antibody specificity after tagging with photo-cleavable mass-tags (PCMTs).

• Generate spatial molecular datasets from MALDI imaging of bone sections from a mouse model of prostate cancer spread to bone.

• Process and analyse MALDI imaging data using vendor and open-source software.

• Integrate imaging data from lipids/metabolites with protein data from MALDI-IHC.

• Validate findings from the mouse model in patient-derived bone sections using MALDI-IHC.

• 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.

• Participate in meetings with project partners, Yorkshire Cancer Research, and School/Research Cluster seminars.

• 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.

• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all health & safety policies, including CoSHH

regulations and specific SOPs for handling human biological samples.

• 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 wherever

• 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. 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 commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes, including 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.

Closing Date : 20/07/2026 

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.