Research Associate (Bioenergetics and Single-Molecule Biophysics)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Flexible working

Generous pension

Discounts and rewards

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the School of Biosciences on a full-time, fixed-term 3-year post in biochemistry/biophysics. The role emphasizes single-molecule biophysics and the study of electron transfer complexes.

The successful candidate will design and execute smAFM experiments, purify membrane protein supercomplexes, apply complementary biophysical methods, and collaborate with international partners, contributing to high-impact publications and

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, plant sciences, microbiology, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and analyze smAFM experiments to quantify binding probabilities, unbinding forces and turnover rates of electron carrier proteins.
• Purify membrane protein supercomplexes from diverse sources and collaborate with international partners.
• Apply complementary biophysical methods (mass photometry, MST, spectroscopy) to characterize protein interactions and kinetics.
• Design site-directed mutants of subunits and assess effects on binding/turnover.
• Engineer artificial supercomplexes in Chlamydomonas using CRISPR-Cas9 and perform Cryo-EM characterization.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Cryo-EM

Biophysics methods

Single-molecule biophysics

Communications

Education

PhD in biochemistry / biophysics / structural biology

Tools

Cryo-EM

Job description

Overview

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.

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.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

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

Experience of cryo‑electron microscopy

Essential

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research clearly to specialist and non‑specialist audiences.

Essential

A strong track record of research excellence relative to career stage, evidenced by first‑author publications in international peer‑reviewed journals.

Essential

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

Experience of molecular genetics approaches in algal, microbial, or plant systems, including the design and implementation of CRISPR‑Cas9 gene editing strategies.

Desirable

Demonstrable ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver research projects independently while contributing constructively to a collaborative team.

Essential

Capacity to engage productively with national and international collaborators, including a willingness to travel for project meetings and short research visits.

Essential

A commitment to inclusive working practices and to supporting the development of colleagues and students.

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.