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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

A Research Assistant position, funded by the European Research Council, is available in the research group of Prof. Katie Field who leads the project in collaboration with Prof. Tim Daniell at the University of Sheffield and Dr Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum, London. You will be sited within the vibrant research environment of the School of Biosciences but will work closely with the collaborative network.

Recent discoveries have shown that Mucoromycotina “fine root endophyte” (MFRE) fungi form mutualistic symbioses with a wide range of land plants, spanning the entire plant phylogeny. However, despite their widespread occurrence, the fundamental biology of MFRE fungi remains poorly understood. This knowledge gap limits our ability to fully grasp the complexity, ecological function, and evolutionary significance of plant-fungal interactions in contemporary terrestrial ecosystems. This project aims to address these critical gaps by investigating the functional roles and distribution patterns of plant-MFRE symbioses using an integrated, multi-scale approach. Combining controlled laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced microscopy, the project will generate comprehensive datasets to unravel the ecological and functional diversity of MFRE associations. You will be responsible for developing and applying analytical frameworks to interpret these large datasets, enabling new insights into the distribution and function of MFRE, particularly how they may contribute to plant health, diversity, and ecosystem dynamics across a range of environments.

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc in biology, ecology, microbiology, plant science, soil science, or a related discipline, along with demonstrable experience of research using molecular techniques, isotope tracers and statistical or bioinformatic analysis of large datasets related to plant-microbe interactions, particularly in multi-trophic scenarios. You should have strong analytical skills and must have the ability to work well independently and as part of team, together with excellent time management and communication skills.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design and run experiments to assess the function of MFRE-plant symbioses using isotope tracers, microscopy and other techniques in ecophysiology.
• Liaise and work with other investigators on the project across the work packages
• Take a lead role in the analysis and writing up of field and lab data.
• To develop reproducible analyses, curate code on appropriate repositories, and ensure all data are securely stored and backed up.
• To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
• To contribute towards drafting of publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.
• Contribute to the writing of research reports, progress reports, presentations and any other reporting obligations
• Attend and actively contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
• To undertake supervision of UG/PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
• To be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting junior team members.
• To work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider Faculty.
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the School and the wider research community.
• To contribute to writing bids for future research grants.
• To promote the reputation of the research group, faculty, and the university as a whole.
• 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 including research presentation to panel members. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two 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 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 : 07/10/2025 

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.