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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 have an exciting opportunity at the University of Sheffield for someone with a passion for translating mechanistic molecular cell biology into potential cancer therapies. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with poor prognosis because, although therapies have been developed, the emergence of resistance is a major problem. There is thus an urgent need to identify and develop new therapeutic targets.

The project will investigate the Rab5GEF, Rme-6, which the Smythe group has shown integrates trafficking and signalling by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), by providing a platform for ERK1/2 signalling. Loss of Rme-6 sensitises TNBC cells to chemotherapy agents. This is particularly relevant to TNBC where EGFR is often mutated/overexpressed. Our overall aim is to understand the underpinning molecular mechanisms by which Rme-6 contributes to chemo-resistance.

Funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research the successful applicant will join a team of researchers led by Liz Smythe in our large and diverse academic School of Biosciences. As this role requires a combination of state-of-the-art approaches, it provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in transcriptomics, proteomics, mechanistic cell biology in in vitro systems coupled with in vivo validation. Your research will contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

You will have a PhD in a relevant subject, ideally with previous experience of proteomics and transcriptomics, skills in high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, excellent molecular cell biology techniques (trafficking, signalling and proliferation assays) and genetic manipulation techniques (CRISPR/Cas9). Experience of FRET-based assays would be an advantage. Team spirit and a strong work ethic are essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are expected.

Main duties and responsibilities

●      Carry out transcriptomic analysis on control and chemo-resistant TNBC cells in the absence and presence of chemo-therapeutic drugs.

●      Investigate changes in the Rme-6 interactome and phospho-proteome in the absence and presence of chemo-therapeutics. 

●      Investigate underpinning mechanisms by which Rme-6 contributes to chemo-resistance in TNBC through signalling, trafficking and migration assays.

●      Prepare genetically modified TNBC cell lines

●      Work closely with the research team to develop hypotheses, experimental project goals.

●      Regularly update the research team on project progress and development.

●      Support and maintain a collegiate and supportive research environment and contribute to the supervision of junior members of the research team.

●      Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.

●      Obtain, analyse and interpret data, keeping clear accessible records, making data, records and protocols available according to open/FAIR principles as soon as possible.

●      Work with the team to design and develop future experiments, funding applications, scientific papers and partnerships.

●      Actively participate in the team’s collaborative research, including taking on roles in lab safety, ordering, providing training and administration as required.

●      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.

Essential criteria

●      A PhD (or equivalent experience) in cell biology, cancer biology or a related field (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Experience in proteomics and phospho-proteomics, transcriptomics (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Experience in molecular cell biology including generation of resistant cell-lines, proliferation and migration assays, high resolution microscopy, and intracellular signalling (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Ability to direct your own research and assume leadership on a project (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Willingness to tackle unfamiliar tasks and develop new skills (assessed at: application/Interview).

Desirable criteria

●      Experience in FRET based assays (assessed at: application/Interview).

●      Experience in manuscript preparation and submission (assessed at: application/Interview).

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 – £42,882 per annum

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Fixed-term from 1 August 2025 for a period of 3 years

Line manager: Professor of Cell Biology / Principal Investigator

Direct reports: None

Our website: School of Biosciences

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Liz Smythe (Professor of Cell Biology/PI) at e.smythe@sheffield.ac.uk

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 a 10-minute presentation followed by Q and A about previous research experience. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can 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 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.

      ●         A range of generous family-friendly policies

                        o         paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

                        o         support for those going through the menopause

                        o         paid time off and support for fertility treatment

                        o         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.