Research Associate in C9orf72 ALS metabolic dysfunction

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

Job summary

A leading research university in Sheffield seeks a Researcher to explore pyruvate metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases. This is a full-time on-site position requiring a PhD in neuroscience and experience with relevant models. Benefits include competitive annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

41 days annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Discounts on shopping and travel

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related discipline, near completion is welcome.
• Experience with iNPC/iPSC astrocyte models.
• Experience working on metabolism and/or hypoxia.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research aligned with project requirements.
• Manage data collection, analysis, and storage.
• Lead analysis and writing of research data.
• Assist in writing project reports and publications.

Skills

Experience with iNPC/iPSC astrocyte models

Experience in metabolism and hypoxia

Ability to work independently

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in neuroscience or neurobiology

Tools

Drosophila models

Job description

Overview

The project is based in the labs of Dr Scott Allen and Dr Ryan West at the Sheffield institute for translational neuroscience (SITraN), an award winning centre of excellence for the study of neurodegenerative diseases and drug-discovery. The successful applicant will use cutting edge metabolic and hypoxic approaches to explore how the C9orf72 repeat expansion alters pyruvate metabolism in normoxia and hypoxia using a combination of C9orf72 patient-derived iNPC models and Drosophila models. Mechanistic understanding will drive small molecule/genetic manipulation to correct the alterations and assess the downstream effect on ALS pathogenic pathways in vitro and in vivo.

The University of Sheffield offers benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, and development and wellbeing support. The project is based in the labs of Dr Scott Allen and Dr Ryan West at SITraN. This is a full time, on site, fixed-term appointment.

We will support researchers with career development in line with the research development concordat and will support those keen on applying for career development fellowships. Candidates are encouraged to contact Scott ([e-mail]) and Ryan ([e-mail]) to discuss the project prior to application.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake research in line with project requirements.
• Manage data collection, analysis and storage on a day-to-day basis.
• Work independently and as part of a team to deliver the research objectives in line with the project outline
• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the study.
• Take a lead role in the analysis, interpretation and writing up of data
• Read and review literature as appropriate.
• Assist in the writing of the project reports and publications.
• Contribute to conference presentations, research advisory group meetings
• Attend and contribute to project/lab meetings and research advisory group meetings.
• Support project reporting requirements, including research project progress reports and finance management and reporting
• Work with and support other members of the team, including in the supervision and support of PhD students and MSc students working in the lab
• Engage in the Readable Research Lay Summary Scheme as a writer/reviewer www.readableresearch.com
• 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.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology or a related discipline (applicants near completion of their PhD are welcome to apply)

Essential

Application

Experience working with iNPC/iPSC astrocyte models

Essential

Interview and/or Application

Experience working on metabolism and/or hypoxia

Essential

Interview and/or Application

Experience working with Drosophila models

Desirable

Interview and/or Application

Experience of delivering high quality research

Essential

Interview and/or Application

Ability to work effectively within a team and independently

Essential

Interview and/or Application

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving

Desirable

Interview and/or Application

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the University and externally, with researchers, clinicians and members of the public involved in the studies.

Essential

Interview and/or Application

Display enthusiasm, motivation and a passion for the research proposal

Essential

Interview and/or Application

Further Information

Grade
7

Salary
£38,784.00

Work arrangement
Full-time

Duration
12/1/26-11/1/29

Line manager
Scott Allen

Direct reports
Ryan West

Our website
Dr Scott Allen and Dr Ryan West

Dr Scott Allen, [Principal Investigator]: on [e-mail] and Dr Ryan West, [Co-principal Investigator] on [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in person circa the 3rd December 2025. This will consist of 60-90 minute interview with presentation and some pre-prepared questions. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 17th November. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Scott Allen at [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 41days 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 / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• 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.

Criminal record

A standard DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).