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

We seek a highly motivated developmental biologist to join the group of Dr Nicola Nadeau on a Leverhulme Research Project grant researching the genetics and biomechanics of butterfly scale structure formation. You will work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team in a vibrant research environment, within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in evolutionary developmental biology  along with experience of developmental and molecular biology techniques, including imaging and gene expression analysis. A proven ability to perform cutting-edge science, as evidenced through publications in high quality journals or on pre-print servers is also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research of international standing into the structural formation of butterfly wing scales during development.
• Apply and develop tools for imaging butterfly scale structure formation (e.g. immunofluorescence, super-resolution microscopy).
• Perform developmental manipulations (e.g. using CRISPR/Cas9) to determine the role of specific cellular components in scale morphogenesis.
• Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress, initiate and implement relevant programme of research.
• Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Assist with setting up equipment, ordering and organisation of resources in the lab.
• Disseminate research findings through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars.
• Provide support to the PI for research proposals and funding applications.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate students.
• Maintain effective communication within the team and with collaborating research groups
• 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. 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 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
  • 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 : 20/10/2025 

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.