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Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Wellcome Trust funded Research Associate position working on a project to investigate morphogenesis and patterning of the early forebrain.  The successful applicant will join the Placzek lab, the research focus of which is to investigate hypothalamic development. A current goal is to investigate the importance of axial mesendoderm in hypothalamic patterning and morphogenesis, and the post will be awarded to an individual who has a solid understanding of early chick development.

You will have the opportunity to work both independently, and as part of a small team in a vibrant research environment, within the Development, Regeneration and Neurophysiology cluster within the School of Biosciences

Applicants should have a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in developmental biology field, and must have significant experience in the use of the chick model organism at early stages of development, as well as molecular biology techniques.

Candidates must be highly enthusiastic and committed to the project in addition to displaying outstanding motivation and commitment to research in a fast-moving and competitive field. Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills along with the ability to work effectively with other members of the research team are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Carry out research/experiments. performing studies on chick embryos, investigating the role of axial mesendoderm on hypothalamic development.
• Perform bioinformatic analyses, including data mining of chick scRNA-seq datasets
• Perform multiplex HCR in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and image analyses
• Design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data.
• Analyse and record data to aid the design of future research and produce useful findings.
• Provide assistance and supervision to other members of the laboratory when required.
• Support and enable research experiments through management of laboratory organisation, resources and administration.
• Assist in the training and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students hosted by the laboratory.
• Write supporting documents and presentations to contribute to and support the work of the research group e.g. lab meeting reports and protocols.
• Assist with the preparation of papers for journals/presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments and use this information to brief colleagues and inform the work of the project.
• Participate in weekly project team meetings and attend relevant research seminars, including presentation of own research data.
• Take day to day responsibility for the Health and Safety aspects of the work to agreed standards.
• Accurately record results, providing analysis and presenting findings to academic colleagues.
• Be able quickly to adapt and transfer skills to new technology and innovations and work flexibly across laboratories as required.
• Analyse and record data to aid the design of future research
• Take responsibility for self-development and on the job learning; keeping abreast of developments in techniques and technology.
• 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 administrative tasks as required.
• 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 closing date. If you 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 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.

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.