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 are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the research group of Professor Katie Field in the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Professors Gareth Phoenix, Dylan Childs and Jurriaan Ton.

This Royal Society-funded position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the function, regulation, and ecology of diverse mycorrhizal fungi and the networks they form.

You will be an essential member of a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sheffield, Dr Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum, London, and Professor David Johnson at Lancaster University, working at the interface of experimental and computational approaches. The project explores how mycorrhizal fungi influence plant physiology, nutrition, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, with applications for both natural and agricultural systems.

Your research will combine laboratory, field, and controlled-environment approaches to uncover how fungal networks operate and influence plants and soils. You will design and run experiments in controlled environment growth facilities, applying isotope tracing to quantify carbon and nutrient exchange across diverse mycorrhizal networks. Field experiments will link lab-based findings to ecosystem-level processes. Additionally, you will construct and deploy bioenergetic models to interpret plant-fungal interactions and predict network function across scales.

You will hold a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in plant science, soil science, microbial ecology, or a related discipline. You will have strong analytical and experimental skills, experience in laboratory and field studies, and the ability to manage projects independently while collaborating effectively within a team. Excellent communication, organisation, and time management skills are essential. Experience in isotope tracing, controlled environment facilities, or bioenergetic modelling is highly desirable.

This post provides an excellent opportunity to develop a high-profile and novel research portfolio, working across molecular, physiological, and ecological scales in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, plan, and conduct experiments in controlled environment facilities and laboratory settings to investigate diverse plant-fungal interactions.
• Establish and maintain field experiments to test hypotheses about fungal network function in natural and managed ecosystems.
• Apply stable and radio-isotope tracing techniques to quantify nutrient exchange and resource flows within fungal networks.
• Construct and deploy bioenergetic models to interpret experimental results and predict network function under different environmental scenarios.
• Process, analyse, and integrate experimental and modelling data, applying appropriate statistical and computational approaches.
• Lead preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and contribute to conference presentations, reports, and grant applications.
• Collaborate effectively with project partners at Sheffield, NHM London, and Lancaster University, integrating laboratory, field, and modelling outputs.
• Provide guidance and support to PhD students and research technicians as required.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, ethical, and environmental regulations in lab and field settings.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture, promoting interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Take responsibility for professional development, keeping up to date with advances in experimental, molecular, and computational techniques.
• Undertake any 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 December 2025. This will consist of an interview, presentation from candidates to the selection panel and a tour of the lab and relevant facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 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 : 07/12/2025 

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.