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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

The laboratory of Prof Chris Toseland (www.toseland-lab.com) invites applications to the position of a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) with skills in cell biophysics to work on an exciting project funded by the BBSRC. The interdisciplinary project aims to characterise the nuclear organisation of proteins regulating transcription in cancer cells.

To enhance chances of success on this project, we encourage applicants with prior knowledge of cell imaging, and single molecule imaging & analysis.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Plan and deliver day-to-day research investigating the nuclear organisation of proteins involved in transcriptional regulation in cancer cells. Work with the Principal Investigator to establish experimental priorities, agree achievable milestones and manage progress within the fixed-term appointment.
• Design and perform experiments to investigate the distribution, dynamics and interactions of transcription-associated proteins within the nucleus. Select appropriate experimental controls and replication, critically evaluate findings and use results to inform subsequent experiments.
• Maintain and prepare mammalian cell cultures for imaging and biophysical experiments, ensuring consistent sample quality and following appropriate procedures for cell handling, experimental treatments and sample preparation.
• Use advanced fluorescence microscopy, including live-cell, high-resolution and single-molecule imaging, to characterise nuclear protein organisation and behaviour. Optimise sample preparation and image acquisition conditions to obtain reliable, reproducible datasets.
• Analyse imaging and single-molecule datasets using appropriate quantitative methods and software. Assess data quality, interpret measurements in their biological context and prepare clear figures and summaries that communicate the principal findings.
• Contribute to complementary biophysical experiments, where required by the project, working with colleagues and collaborators using approaches such as atomic force microscopy and optical tweezers. Integrate these findings with imaging results to develop a broader understanding of nuclear organisation.
• Identify and troubleshoot experimental and analytical problems, adapting established protocols where necessary. Exercise independent judgement within agreed project objectives and seek specialist advice when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, complete and accessible records of experimental procedures, results and analysis. Organise and store research data in accordance with University requirements and good research practice, enabling findings to be checked and work to be continued by other team members.
• Communicate progress through regular discussions with the Principal Investigator, research group meetings and interactions with UK collaborators. Prepare presentations and concise progress summaries, highlighting findings, technical challenges and priorities for further work.
• Take a leading role, in agreement with the Principal Investigator, in preparing figures, methods and results for manuscripts arising from the research. Critically assess relevant literature and use it to inform experimental design, interpretation and scientific writing.
• Follow relevant health and safety procedures, contribute to risk assessments and use shared facilities and equipment responsibly. Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and remit of the post.
• 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 on 15th December 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 30th November 2026.

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
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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.