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 applications for a Research Fellow, in a Horizon Europe MSCA-Doctoral Network (DN) program (Funded by EU, GA: 101168976) entitled “Autonomous Scanning Probe Microscopy for Life Sciences and Medicine powered by Artificial Intelligence (SPM4.0)”

The objective of the SPM4.0 Doctoral Network is to train a new generation of researchers in the science and technology of autonomous Scanning Probe Microscopes powered by Artificial Intelligence for applications in the Life Science and Medical fields. The researchers of the network will acquire state-of-the-art multidisciplinary scientific training in advanced scanning probe microscopy and machine learning and in their biological and medical applications. In addition, they will receive training on complementary and transferable skills to increase their employability perspectives and to qualify them to access leading job positions in the private and public sectors. The final aim is to promote the wide adoption of SPM4.0 technologies in public and private research centres and in industrial and metrology institutions and to explore new horizons in the Life Sciences and Medical sectors spanning label-free nanoscopic cell imaging, illness diagnosis, or drug nanocarrier development, consolidating Europe as a world leader.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute towards SPM4.0 Marie Curie Project communications & meetings, interact and collaborate with partners in other institutions and industry.
• Undertake the programme of work and conduct empirical research as required by the research programme.
• Develop, in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, such new techniques as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the research.
• Actively participate in the team’s collaborative research, updating the wider research team on project progress and development and taking on roles in lab safety, ordering, providing training and administration as required.
• Prepare reports of appropriate research results for public presentation through seminars and conferences. Contribute to writing papers summarising research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and to other reports, including protocols and other reports.
• Comply with any requirements of the Marie Curie Scholarship.
• Collect data and undertake any appropriate analysis of data as requested.
• Keep clear accessible records, making data, records and protocols available according to open/FAIR principles as soon as possible.
• Attend regular meetings with the research team and investigators, maintaining a collegiate and supportive research environment, and contribute to the training of the research team.
• Undertake literature and database searches for the research project, and be able to interpret and present the findings, and advise the research teams appropriately regarding potential projects.
• Keep up to date with subject-related and professional issues, in particular, developments in the specific subject area.
• Comply with relevant policies and regulations binding on the member of staff .
• Participate  in the Continuing Career Development Programme and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Show a professional attitude to matters of laboratory hygiene, organisation and safety.
• Ensure that all research is undertaken according to good research practice and guidance, such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and company or University protocols.
• 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.

Essential criteria

• Must NOT have a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment (assessed at: application/interview)
• Must comply with the requirements for being enrolled in a PhD programme: hold an undergraduate degree of a minimum 2:1 in a relevant subject (assessed at: application/interview)
• Must comply with the mobility rule: not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date (assessed at: application/interview)
• Must have expertise in programming languages, e.g. Python or Matlab (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)

Desirable criteria

• Expertise in open project management tools e.g. Github (assessed at: application/interview/presentation)
• Expertise in image analysis (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to work with industrial or academic partners (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to assess and organise resources, both digital and physical (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to organise and prioritise own work and organise research within the project timetable (assessed at: application/interview)

Further Information

Grade: Off-Scale

Duration: 01.04.2025 - 31.03.2028

Line manager: Professor of Biophysics

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Alice Pyne on a.l.pyne@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in March 2025. This will consist of a panel interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after 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 Amanda Temple at cmbe-postaward@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 / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• 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.

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.