Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). SITraN is a purpose-built research facility which was opened in November 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen and awarded the Queen’s Anniversary prize for higher education in 2020 in recognition of having made an outstanding positive impact in patient’s lives. The Institute houses clinical and basic scientists from the Department of Neuroscience and the primary focus is research into neurodegenerative disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting translational research project to assess the repurposing potential of clinically approved Janus Kinase inhibitors (Jakinibs) for motor neuron disease (MND/ALS) using both human astrocyte-motor neuron co-cultures and human neuronal monoculture assays. You will be part of a team (two postdoctoral researchers and two research technicians) evaluating in vitro and in vivo disease models. This post is focussed on in vitro models and delivering high quality data in assays of astrocyte toxicity towards neurons and in iNeurons and iPSC derived motor neuron monocultures to probe the mechanistic basis for neuroprotection by Janus kinase inhibitors. Opportunities for career development and training in drug discovery, including potential to supervise others will be available for the right candidate. We have a track record of identifying molecules for clinical translation and you will be exposed to an environment focussed on drug discovery and development, building a highly transferrable skill set.

This post is fixed-term for 2 years.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, set-up and run experiments in relation to the project after consultation with the Principal Investigators.
• Demonstrate a high level of competence in in vitro techniques, particularly human cells, immunocytochemistry,  imaging and cell based assays.
• Demonstrate a high level of competence in molecular and cellular biology techniques, particularly gene and protein expression analysis in neurons and astrocytes.
• Keep excellent scientific records and analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare reports and present data in team meetings.
• Prepare papers for journals / presentations either in-house or at national / international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Write and document lab procedures, protocols and study design.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of relevant scientific developments in the field. 
• Teamwork- provide help to other researchers in the same laboratory in related fields of research, co-ordinate activities with other group members.
• Plan for specific aspects of the research programme as discussed with the supervisor of the project.
• Assist in the day-to-day management and delivery of the project. 
• For each particular hypothesis, plan for own contribution up to three months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims. Design individual experiments weekly.
• Supervise research team/activities including the work of graduate students if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Order all reagents/consumables required for the experimental work.
• Liaise with staff from other Departments or outside agencies.
• 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.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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 a panel interview including a 15-minute presentation with questions on a recent research project, a tour of the laboratories and opportunity to meet members of the research team. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week within two weeks of interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact clinmed-staffing@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.