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 Research Associate in Chemical Biology to develop innovative methods for the preparation of DNA containing novel carboxymethylated phosphate triesters. The successful candidate will join the established research teams of Dr David Williams (Nucleic Acids Chemistry) and Prof Nick Williams (Mechanistic Organic Chemistry), based in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and part of the Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids.

This Leverhulme Trust-funded project will involve the chemical synthesis and characterisation of nucleosides and nucleic acids modified with carboxymethyl phosphate triesters, as well as the exploration of their properties and potential applications. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for up to 36 months, starting from October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and independent researcher with strong teamwork skills. You should possess in-depth knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, and have an interest or experience in nucleic acid chemistry and/or analysing the properties of nucleic acids. Experience supervising postgraduate and/or undergraduate students is highly desirable, as is the ability to write high-quality scientific papers and deliver engaging oral presentations.

Applicants should hold a good honours degree in Chemistry and either have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a relevant subject area such as synthetic organic and/or nucleic acid chemistry.

Your application should clearly address the criteria outlined above. We will assess your suitability using a combination of selection methods, including application review, references, interviews, and other relevant assessments.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments to synthesise nucleotides and oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing specific phosphotriesters.

• Undertake the purification and analysis of nucleotides and oligodeoxyribonucleotides using HPLC.

• Day-to-day management of a research group of postgraduate and final year undergraduate students.

• Occasional requirement to undertake teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Comply with local and legislated safety requirements.

• Contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory through ordering of reagents for own and the wider research group projects when required, evaluating equipment for purchase when required, maintaining laboratory cleanliness and taking prompt action liaising with relevant individuals when laboratory maintenance issues arise.

• Write progress reports, papers, grant applications and present work at project meetings and international conferences.

• Prepare figures for papers, grants and other presentations of research.

• Plan for own contribution up to 2 months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims.

• Interact effectively with other members of the project team, sharing data and expertise and working together to reach project objectives.

• Contribute and participate in the Researcher Community within Chemical Biology, the School and the Faculty of Science.

• Undertake up to 10 days of professional development activities per year.

• 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 October/November 2025. This will consist of a presentation and interview.  We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage one week following the advert 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 Mrs Louise Brown-Leng a.l.brown-leng@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.

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.