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

Do you have a passion for RNA, gene-regulation and development? The Sudbery and Wilson laboratories in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield wish to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to work on a Leverhulme funded project analysing how splicing in the 3’ UTR of genes can regulate their developmental dynamics.

The project will involve using both the latest molecular and computational techniques to investigate how splicing might affect RNA stability dynamics across development. You will use CRISPR engineered cell lines carrying degron tags for key proteins to dissect the molecular mechanisms in this process. You will use second and third generation DNA sequencing technologies and other molecular and cell biology approaches in the project. You will develop new bioinformatic pipelines to analyse the results of these experiments, as well as making the analytic approaches available to the community.

You will have a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in Biochemistry, Genetics or Molecular biology along with proven knowledge of, and a track record of research in UTR biology and RNA stability, Experience of standard Molecular Biology experimental techniques, such as PCR and molecular cloning and experience with analysing data from high-throughput sequencing experiments, including analytic pipelines, and the development of novel statistical analyses are also essential. You will be able to demonstrate a collaborative mindset, that you are always looking to acquire and use new skills and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary way. You will look forward to being part of a community of researchers working towards common or related goals and be looking forward to helping foster such a community.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Take primary responsibility for an agreed program of research, in collaboration with other members of the team.
• To generate new hypotheses and design appropriate experiments to achieve the objectives of the research project and execute the wet lab experiments.
• Undertake computation analysis as required.
• Discuss the required experiments and work with the research team and agree on a strategy to complete the planned work.
• Keep appropriate records of all work carried out.
• Interact with and help supervise junior members of the research team.
• Prepare papers for journals / presentations in-house or at national and international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Write supporting documents (such as protocols, reports, etc.) to support the research group and carry our administrative roles as required.
• Provide support to other members of the research team in the same laboratory in a related field of research.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• 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. 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 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.

Closing Date : 26/02/2026 

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.