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 looking for a clinical research fellow to join the vibrant Clinical Infection Research Group (CIRG) in Sheffield. They will help to work on an exciting project in which we are working to set up a new, human challenge model of Staphylococcus aureus skin infection. This model will be used to study the early interactions between the human immune system and invading bacteria. From these interactions we are working to develop better diagnostic tests and future vaccines and novel therapeutics.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major opportunistic pathogen and the leading bacterial cause of death in most countries. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) caused by S. aureus are common and frequently require antibiotics and hospital care. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is associated with significant mortality and a high-priority for new therapeutics and vaccines. Better understanding of the human immune response and more accurate models of infection are urgently needed.

The role will include responsibilities ranging from design, delivery and execution of the clinical trial, ensuring the safe conduct and collection of clinical data. The post provides an ideal opportunity to be at the cutting edge of clinical research in a highly supportive and multidisciplinary team environment. We anticipate outputs including high-impact publications, and there will be opportunities to apply for independent research funding or to develop proposals for a laboratory, clinical or translational research proposal for a higher degree (PhD/MD).

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to timely preparation and production of study paperwork and necessary ethical and regulatory applications.
• Provide technical advice and training for research staff in accordance with the protocol, ethics approval, SOP and guidelines.
• Actively contribute and lead in the production of research manuscripts, conference presentations and other scholarly writing.

• Provide clinical input into the design and execution of clinical trials with other team members and to take responsibility for delivering the required studies.
• Provide medical oversight of trial participants including those enrolled in controlled human infection studies.
• Work closely with principal investigators, collaborators, research staff and project managers in both clinical (STH) and University (UoS) areas.
• Attend and contribute to regular group laboratory meetings.
• Present data at regular laboratory and departmental meetings and at national and international scientific meetings.
• Read academic papers and attend meetings, seminars etc. to keep abreast of developments.
• Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the CIRG, Medical School and the University.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’ - these include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole.
• 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 possible.

• 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 17th September 2025. This will consist of a presentation from the candidate, an interview and a tour of the Division. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage by the 1st September 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Nikki Smith at n.smith@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
  • 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.

Criminal record

An enhanced DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.