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Overview

Research Project title: Polarization-sensitive OCT as an early predictor of spontaneous pre-term birth

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a project to develop and test a new device for the assessment of the collagen content and structure of the human cervix to improve prediction of spontaneous premature birth. You will participate in pilot studies to determine its potential clinical utility. The study is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPSRC), UK.

This is a full-time role that involves a collaboration between the biophotonics group of Professor Stephen Matcher (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee/people/academic-staff/stephen-matcher) and the Human Parturition Research Group of Prof Dilly Anumba (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/smph/people/clinical-medicine/dilly-anumba), working to investigate whether cervical polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can assist clinicians better predict spontaneous preterm birth. Dilly Anumba’s group has a strong international reputation for developing innovative technologies to predict preterm birth. Steve Matcher’s group has a strong global reputation in biophotonics, especially in the development and application of OCT techniques. Both researchers also have active collaborative links within the university, with stakeholders in other academic centres, and with industry. The postholder will join this highly interdisciplinary team, comprising engineering and medical academics, including device design engineers from Sheffield’s world-leading Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (https://www.amrc.co.uk/).

The main element of the project is undertaking the clinical studies using the device in cohorts of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth to determine its predictive potential for spontaneous preterm birth. Working as part of a small, friendly, and enthusiastic team, you will take a leading role in conducting the clinical experimental studies.

You should have a good honours degree in Medicine and Surgery and a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Experience with providing antenatal care to high-risk pregnant women would be desirable, along with knowledge of basic research methods and ultrasonography in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Main duties and responsibilities

Clinical Research

• Develop and refine clinical experimental protocols and assist in the development of suitable experimental device configurations for the clinical trial phase of the project.
• Identify, recruit, and study cohorts of women by conducting measurement experiments using the new OCT device to assess cervical tissue.
• Coordinate management of all data acquired, working with principal investigators and other team members.
• Supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate students as appropriate.
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations at local/regional/national/international meetings to disseminate research findings.
• Write supporting documents for the work of the research group, e.g. reports and grant applications.
• Carry out administrative roles: e.g., act as secretary to research group meetings.

Professional/Academic

• Work within a clinical sphere under the supervision of the Principal Investigators. Participate in mandatory study days.
• Identify self-training needs to the project site lead.
• Participate in training courses as required by project site lead.
• Pursue a suitable programme of academic development leading to postgraduate certification.

Planning and Organisation

• Continuously monitor and review results, planning daily to adapt to new developments.
• As a staff member, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, integrating the University sustainability strategy into your work activities whenever possible.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include achieving excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits that genuinely impact the subject area and the University’s overall achievements.
• 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

The selection process will be interview only. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact foh-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
  • 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 with barred lists 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).

Closing Date : 25/03/2026 

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