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

Our team has developed a novel biomaterial which can be injected to restore soft tissue volume for patients who need tissue reconstruction (e.g. post mastectomy or following tissue trauma). Laboratory results have shown this material has the properties needed to restore adipose tissue (fat) volume but we have identified three steps in our manufacturing process which need to be optimised to translate this technology to clinical use. In this project we will ensure our supply chain, sterilisation and manufacturing methods can be performed to clinical standards at sufficient scale to progress this towards future commercialisation and spinout. Ultimately aimed at improving the lives of those with burns and serious disfigurement this project will primarily focus on overcoming the technical challenges associated with clinical translation of biomaterials such as regulation, scale up and sterilisation.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Optimise, develop and test biomaterial fabrication and sterilisation protocols.
• Prepare technical reports and develop standard operating procedures to document research findings.
• Maintain excellent records of all experimental and technical work conducted and communicate effectively with members of the team on a regular basis.
• Conduct personal research of international standing, which includes identifying literature and updating own knowledge.
• Collaborate with the technology transfer office and other members of the team to accelerate the future impact of the research.
• Initiate and implement the programme of research as set out in the funding proposal. This may include managing time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Work with external stakeholders to develop the translation pathway of technologies towards clinical use.
• Provide support to senior colleagues for research proposals and funding applications.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.
• Deal with reactive requests relating to the developing needs of the translational research project.
• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines and prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.
• 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 in the week commencing Monday 16th October. This will consist of a presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible following the close date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-postaward@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.