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 talented and motivated Research Associate to join the School of Clinical Dentistry within the Faculty of Health at the University of Sheffield. This is a high-impact, 6-month project funded by the EPSRC, positioned at the cutting edge of liquid biopsies and nanotechnology.

The project focuses on the identification and validation of extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated biomarkers and their integration with nanoplasmonic sensors to develop next-generation, non-invasive platforms for disease detection and longitudinal monitoring.

The Role

Led by Prof. Dan Lambert and a multidisciplinary team of experts in molecular/cell biology and chemistry, you will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between biological discovery and clinical application. You will be responsible for isolating and characterizing disease-specific EVs and identifying and optimising biomarkers to enable detection on novel nanoplasmonic surfaces. This project forms part of an EPSRC Programme Grant, Molecular Photonic Breadboards, and you will benefit from joining a large, integrated and well-established research team

This role offers a unique opportunity for a researcher with a strong background in molecular biology or biochemistry who is eager to apply their skills to biosensing and translational diagnostics. You will work in a fast-paced, supportive environment committed to transforming patient care through innovative, non-invasive technology.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• EV Characterization & Validation: Isolate, purify, and characterize extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biological fluids using techniques such as ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA).
• Biomarker Identification: Use proteomics, RNAseq and other advanced technologies to identify and validate specific protein or nucleic acid cargo within EVs that serve as signatures for disease presence or progression.
• Sensor Integration: Collaborate with Programme partners to optimize the capture and signal-readout of EV-associated biomarkers on nanoplasmonic sensing platforms.
• Data Analysis: Process and interpret complex datasets, correlating molecular findings from laboratory assays with the optical outputs of the nanoplasmonic sensors.
• Project Management: Manage the 6-month project timeline strictly to meet EPSRC milestones, including the scheduling of rapid-turnaround experimental cycles.
• Documentation: Maintain rigorous and detailed records of wet-lab protocols, EV characterization metrics, and sensor performance data.
• Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists and physicists as well as clinical colleagues contributing to strategic discussions on clinical translation.
• Dissemination: Contribute to high-quality manuscript preparation, and present findings at internal and national and international forums.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all health & safety policies, including CoSHH regulations and specific SOPs for handling human biological samples.

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 are respected. Even if your 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 2 weeks after close of the application submission deadline. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks after close of the application process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact j.l.young@sheffield.ac.uk who will be able to assist. 

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.