Research Associate: Dune Grasses

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working opportunities

Hybrid working for some roles

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

University of Sheffield is offering a full-time postdoctoral-style role focused on coastal dune grasses. You will lead the genetic component, perform molecular lab work, and analyse genomic and trait data to identify key dune-building traits.

The role combines wet-lab and bioinformatics with opportunities to publish and present findings. Based at the School of Biosciences and supervised by Dr Luke Dunning, the position emphasises collaboration, data-driven discovery, and academic publication,

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in a relevant area.
• Wet-lab experience preparing samples for NGS.
• Experience researching dune grasses and combining genomic with trait data.
• Proficiency in command line computing.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with collaborators.
• Flexible with workload priorities and able to supervise staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic molecular lab work (e.g., DNA extraction).
• Generate and analyse ddRAD-seq data.
• Develop bioinformatic pipelines and analyses.
• Take a lead role in data analysis and preparation for publication.
• Prepare papers and presentations for national and international conferences.
• Attend and contribute to weekly lab meetings and meetings with collaborators.
• Contribute to supervision of research students.
• Embed the University sustainability strategy in daily activities.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with grade and remit.

Skills

Wet-lab experience

Genomic analysis

Command line

Data integration

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant area

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

Coastal dunes are shaped by interactions between specialised grasses and their physical environment. This project will investigate how genetic and phenotypic variation in dune-building grasses influences dune structure and resilience. You will conduct the genetic analysis of a large-scale growth experiment, with the aim of identifying the genetic basis of key dune building traits.

Based at the University of Sheffield and supervised by Dr Luke Dunning, you will lead the genetic component of the project, undertaking molecular laboratory work and bioinformatic analyses.

Applicants must have a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral level experience) in a relevant area. Wet-lab experience of preparing samples for next-generation sequencing, experience of conducting research on dune grasses and experience of combining genomic and trait data are also essential. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment in which researchers can develop their interests, collaborate with colleagues, supervise students and communicate their findings through conferences and publications.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Perform basic molecular lab work (e.g. DNA extraction)
• Generate and analyse ddRAD-seq data.
• Develop bioinformatic pipelines and analyses
• Take a lead role in data analysis and preparation for publication
• Prepare papers for journals and presentations at national and international conferences to disseminate research findings
• Attend and contribute to weekly lab meetings, and regular meetings with collaborators
• Contribute to the supervision of research students associated with the project
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• 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.

• Have a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral level experience) in a relevant area.
• Wet-lab experience of preparing samples for next-generation sequencing
• Experience of conducting research on dune grasses
• Experience of combining genomic and trait data
• Proficiency in command line computing
• Ability to work as part of a team with varied skills and experience and to maintain effective communication with collaborating groups.
• Proven flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workloads
• Ability to assist in the supervision of technical staff and research students.
• Ability to present results orally and prepare papers for publication at a high standard and in a timely fashion.

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784 - £42,254 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full-time (100% FTE)
• Duration: Fixed term from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027
• Line manager: Senior Lecturer (PI)
• 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 Dr Luke Dunning (Senior Lecturer / PI) 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. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can Contact [e-mail] if you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments.

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
  • 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 :07/10/2026

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.