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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 to appoint two Research Assistants to join a Wellcome Trust funded research programme in the group of Professor David Strutt, to carry out experiments to understand the molecular basis of the formation of planar polarity protein complexes. Applicants should have a strong background in cell and/or developmental biology and relevant research laboratory-based experience.

The post-holders will perform experiments to analyse core planar polarity pathway protein function complex in Drosophila using cell culture and in fly tissues. The work will primarily involve molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and microscopy (confocal, FRAP and FRET-FLIM).

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) and relevant research lab experience in cell and/or developmental biology along with experience using tissue culture to carry out cell biology experiments. Molecular biology experience in molecular cloning to generate new constructs is also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Carry out experiments to analyse core planar polarity pathway protein complex formation, using a range of techniques including tissue culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, proteomics and light microscopy (confocal and also FRAP and FRET-FLIM)
• Maintain Drosophila stocks, carry out genetic crosses to generate new stocks required for experiments. Dissect and/or live-image Drosophila tissues.
• Design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data.
• Accurately record results, providing data analysis and presenting findings to colleagues at lab meetings.
• Plan and prioritise your daily work relating to the project, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication in international journals by preparing figures and methodological text.
• Provide technical advice and training to others in research techniques, including undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Prioritise own work within a general schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist the PI and other staff in planning future work, including coordinating arrangements and delegating tasks to others.
• Analyse and problem-solve to understand and interpret information and make recommendations, e.g., skills for analysing data and reports, diagnosing, and troubleshooting technical equipment.
• Read and attend relevant seminars/conferences to stay current with the latest research in the field.
• Monitor and update the PI on progress of group projects; the unpredictability of research means that planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Attend all required safety and training courses, comply with required safety, licensing, and technical regulations, and assist the PI in ensuring the lab is also compliant.
• Other tasks to ensure the efficient functioning, success, and development of the research group, as required.
• 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. This will consist of an interview, with the opportunity to meet other members of the team and visit the School of Biosciences. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you 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 38 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.
• 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.

Closing Date : 08/10/2025 

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.