Research Associate (Bioenergetics and Single-Molecule Biophysics)

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Staff discounts

Learning & mentoring

Recognition awards

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Associate to join Professor Matt Johnson's group in the School of Biosciences. The project investigates how bioenergetic supercomplexes promote electron transfer in respiration and photosynthesis, funded by BBSRC for three years from Oct 2026.

You will work with smAFM, cryo-EM and other biophysical methods across bacterial, mitochondrial and chloroplast systems, collaborating with international partners and contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology or closely related field.
• Experience purifying membrane proteins or large multi-subunit protein complexes.
• Experience with biophysical methods to quantify protein interactions.
• Experience of cryo‑electron microscopy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong track record with first‑author publications.
• Independent planning and delivery of research projects.
• Ability to collaborate with national and international partners.
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and short visits.
• Commitment to inclusive working practices and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and analyse smAFM experiments to quantify binding/turnover of electron carriers.
• Purify membrane protein supercomplexes from yeast mitochondria and other sources.
• Apply biophysical methods to characterize protein interactions and ET kinetics.
• Design and generate site-directed mutants in Chlamydomonas using CRISPR-Cas9.
• Engineer artificial supercomplexes and purify/characterise them (Cryo-EM).
• Collaborate with computational colleagues; translate predictions to experiments.
• Disseminate results via publications and conferences.
• Contribute to lab management and supervision of students.
• Assist with grant reporting and funding applications.

Skills

PhD in related field

Protein biochemistry

Biophysical methods experience

Cryo-EM experience

Excellent communication

First-author publications

Independent project delivery

International collaboration

Willingness to travel

Inclusive working practices

Education

PhD (or near completion)

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Cryo-EM

Mass photometry

AFM / single-molecule techniques

Job description

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 Professor Matt Johnson's group in the School of Biosciences to investigate how bioenergetic supercomplexes promote electron transfer in respiration and photosynthesis. The role is funded by a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) responsive mode grant for three years, commencing in October 2026.

A central puzzle in bioenergetics is why electron transfer (ET) complexes cluster into larger supercomplexes within the membranes of mitochondria, chloroplasts, and bacteria. Building on our recently developed single-molecule atomic force microscopy (smAFM) approach, this project will test the hypothesis that supercomplexes enhance ET by promoting the formation of transient encounter complexes between soluble electron carrier proteins and their cognate membrane integral complexes. The work spans bacterial, mitochondrial, and chloroplast systems and combines smAFM with complementary biophysical methods (mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, spectroscopy), cryo-electron microscopy, and the engineering of artificial supercomplexes via CRISPR-Cas9 in Chlamydomonas.

You will work within a vibrant research environment that includes the Imagine: Imaging Life facility, world-class controlled environment plant and algal growth facilities, and an active community of researchers in photosynthesis, bacterial bioenergetics, and structural biology. You will also collaborate with leading international partners, providing excellent opportunities for career development.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyse single-molecule atomic force microscopy (smAFM) experiments to quantify the binding probabilities, unbinding forces, and turnover rates of electron carrier proteins on isolated and supercomplex forms of bacterial, mitochondrial, and chloroplast electron transfer complexes.
• Purify membrane protein supercomplexes and their components from yeast mitochondria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, spinach chloroplasts, and Chlamydomonas thylakoids, including via collaborations with international partners.
• Apply complementary biophysical methods, including mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, and absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, to characterise protein-protein interactions and electron transfer kinetics.
• Design and generate site-directed mutants of supernumerary subunits implicated in encounter complex formation and characterise their effects on binding and turnover.
• Engineer artificial supercomplexes in Chlamydomonas using CRISPR-Cas9, including the construction and validation of chimeric gene fusions and the purification biophysical and structural (Cryo-EM) characterisation of the resulting complexes.
• Liaise with collaborators conducting molecular and Brownian dynamics simulations to translate computational predictions into testable experimental hypotheses and vice versa.
• Disseminate research outputs through publications in international peer-reviewed journals, oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences, and contributions to public engagement activities.
• Contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including assisting with the training and supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to grant reporting and to the preparation of further funding applications, including Researchfish submissions to the BBSRC.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records of experimental data in line with good research practice and the University's research data management policy.
• 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 does not 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.

• PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, plant sciences, microbiology, or a closely related discipline.
  Essential
  Application
• Substantial practical experience in protein biochemistry, including the purification and biochemical characterisation of membrane proteins or large multi‑subunit protein complexes.
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• Experience of one or more biophysical methods for quantifying protein‑protein interactions, for example atomic force microscopy, mass photometry, microscale thermophoresis, surface plasmon resonance, or fluorescence‑based techniques.
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• Experience of cryo‑electron microscopy
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research clearly to specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• A strong track record of research excellence relative to career stage, evidenced by first‑author publications in international peer‑reviewed journals.
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• Experience of single‑molecule biophysics (for example smAFM, optical tweezers, single‑molecule fluorescence) and/or of research on photosynthetic or respiratory electron transfer complexes.
  Desirable
  Application & Interview
• Experience of molecular genetics approaches in algal, microbial, or plant systems, including the design and implementation of CRISPR‑Cas9 gene editing strategies.
  Desirable
  Application & Interview
• Demonstrable ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver research projects independently while contributing constructively to a collaborative team.
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• Capacity to engage productively with national and international collaborators, including a willingness to travel for project meetings and short research visits.
  Essential
  Application & Interview
• A commitment to inclusive working practices and to supporting the development of colleagues and students.
  Essential
  Application & Interview

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784 - £43,482 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Duration: Fixed-term for 3 years from November 2026
• Line manager: Professor of Biochemistry
• Direct reports: None
• Right to work in the UK: If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
• Our website: School of Biosciences
• For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Matt Johnson, Professor of Biochemistry, at [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact [e-mail]

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.

Closing Date :06/09/2026

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.