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

A multidisciplinary team, led by Professor Cheryl Miller, in collaboration with Professor Paul Hatton, Dr Vanessa Hearden, Professor Christine Le Maitre, Dr Hanya Mahmood and Prof Graham Stafford, at the University of Sheffield is leading a substantial research programme that will advance the translation of new medical device technology based on nanoscale hydroxyapatite, to address the unmet clinical need of prevention and treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). MRONJ is a debilitating side effect of drugs such as antiresorptives, antiangiogenics that are commonly used to treat bone disorders and cancers. It presents as exposed or ‘non-healing’ jaw bone and is often associated with infection. We are therefore seeking to appoint two talented PDRAs to join the research group within the Faculty of Health and working closely with the Faculty of Engineering, University of Sheffield. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of biomaterial science, cell biology, microbiology and translational clinical research.

This multidisciplinary project will comprehensively evaluate zinc substituted nano hydroxyapatites both in vitro and ex vivo as a potential new treatment for MRONJ. Utilising state of the art tissue culture systems to mimic the MRONJ physiological environment, combining ex vivo bone cultures with tissue engineered oral mucosal models to investigate mucosal healing, and bone regeneration. The innovative biomaterial formulations will also be assessed using clinically relevant bacteria isolated from MRONJ patients. This research programme will accelerate the development and translation of this novel medical device, addressing a significant unmet need in the prevention and treatment of MRONJ.

You’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking research environment committed to making real clinical impact through innovation in medical devices for patient benefit.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research aligned with the project’s objectives.
• Contributing to development of ex vivo/tissue engineered 3D in vitro integrated model systems for bone and mucosal membranes for the testing of biomaterial interaction.
• Develop co-culture systems of bone/mucosal membrane with polymicrobial communities.
• Perform a variety of downstream outcome assessments including biochemical analysis, histology/immunohistochemisty and functional assays to determine the efficacy of our novel biomaterials.
• Engage and interact with Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) groups to strengthen the research and ensure it is clinically relevant and patient-focussed.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the MRONJ research group, engaging with co-investigators to meet project milestones, this involves planning and scheduling of a detailed programme of work and resource requirements within each stage of the project.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activity, including wet-lab protocols, data acquisition processes, and analysis.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and prepare CoSHH , risk assessments and SOPs documentation.
• Liaise regularly with the work package leads and investigators, contributing to team meetings and strategic discussions.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, collaborators, and external audiences such as conferences.
• Undertake literature reviews to ensure the project is informed by the latest developments.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, technical reports, and future funding applications.
• Commit to follow responsible research principles, research ethics and integrity policies and sustainability practices.
• Contribute to the wider research group supporting students and other postdoctoral researchers.
• 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 within 4 weeks of the application submission date.  This will consist of an interview and presentation, the title of which will be provided to all shortlisted candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the 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 our recruitment team at smph-west-staffing@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 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.