Research Associate - Specialism in Wetlab with potential Bioinformatics experience

Dunhillmedical

Sheffield

On-site

GBP 35,000 - 43,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Discounts

Development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate with a focus on wet-lab work and potential bioinformatics experience to investigate RNA regulation in innate immunity. The role involves designing complex experiments, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to high-impact research.

You will work with primary human neutrophils, zebrafish models, and multi-omics data, applying molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics techniques to uncover RNA processing mechanisms in

Qualifications

PhD in a relevant subject.
Understanding of RNA biology, innate immunity or in vivo modelling.
Ability to design and perform complex experimental procedures.
Experience with high-throughput -omics experiments (RNA-seq, eCLIP, SLAM-seq, RIP-seq).
Bioinformatic analysis experience is advantageous.
Collaborative mindset and interdisciplinary work.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct independent research into the molecular mechanisms regulating ELAVL1 function in innate immune cells.
Culture and experimentally manipulate primary human neutrophils and related cellular models.
Perform and analyse high-throughput -omics experiments, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), eCLIP, SLAM-seq, RIP-seq, and associated transcriptomic datasets in vitro and in vivo.
Investigate post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including intron retention, mRNA stability, RNA editing, methylation, and protein phosphorylation.
Develop and apply molecular biology approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA affinity pull-down assays, mutant analysis, and gene perturbation strategies.
Undertake in vivo studies using zebrafish models, including inflammation and infection assays, live imaging, and functional analysis of genetic mutants.
For suitable applicants, there will be opportunity to generate, integrate, and interpret large-scale multi-omics datasets.
Use computational tools for data processing, statistical analysis, visualisation, and cross-referencing of datasets.
Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings through publications and talks.
Maintain accurate experimental records and comply with procedures.

Skills

CRISPR-Cas9

RNA biology

Genomics

Molecular biology

In vivo modelling

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or Computational Biology

Tools

RNA-seq

eCLIP

SLAM-seq

RIP-seq

CRISPR-Cas9

Job description

Research Associate - Specialism in Wetlab with potential Bioinformatics experience

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View profile Job Alerts Link Job Description Job Title: Research Associate - Specialism in Wetlab with potential Bioinformatics experience Posting Start Date: 29/07/2026 Job Id: 2903 School/Department: School of Medicine & Population Health Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site) Contract Type: Fixed-term Salary per annum (£): 38,784.00 Closing Date: 26/08/2026

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

Do you have a passion for immunology, RNA and gene-regulation? We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to join an ambitious interdisciplinary programme at the University of Sheffield investigating how RNA regulation controls innate immune responses during inflammation.

You will have a PhD in an appropriate subject and a keen interest in RNA biology, innate immunity or in vivo modelling. This position is suited to someone with the ability and motivation to design and perform complex experimental procedures, including high-throughput RNA focused experiments, as well as analysing the results. The project will generate extensive multi-omics datasets, therefore experience in, or aptitude for, bioinformatic analysis would be advantageous.

You will form part of a team that will combine primary human neutrophil culture and zebrafish models with the latest molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics and in vivo imaging to investigate how ELAVL1, a major RNA-binding protein, impacts neutrophil biology. We will uncover the fundamental principles of immune regulation by post-transcriptional regulation, with relevance to inflammatory and infectious diseases.

You will be able to demonstrate a collaborative mindset, be looking to acquire and use new skills and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary way. You will look forward to being part of a community of researchers working towards common goals.

This is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious researchers to work at the forefront of RNA biology and immunology, access world-class facilities, contribute to high-impact discoveries, and develop an independent research profile within a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associates to join a multidisciplinary research programme investigating the regulation and function of ELAVL1 in neutrophil biology and inflammation. The project combines molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and in vivo disease models to uncover mechanisms controlling RNA processing and immune cell function. The successful candidate will work in a team where complementary expertise will be available to cover all required skills and will contribute to complementary work packages spanning mechanistic studies in human cells and functional investigations in zebrafish models.

Design and conduct independent research into the molecular mechanisms regulating ELAVL1 function in innate immune cells.
Culture and experimentally manipulate primary human neutrophils and related cellular models.
Perform and analyse high-throughput -omics experiments, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), eCLIP, SLAM-seq, RIP-seq, and associated transcriptomic datasets in vitro and in vivo.
Investigate post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including intron retention, mRNA stability, RNA editing, methylation, and protein phosphorylation.
Develop and apply molecular biology approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA affinity pull-down assays, mutant analysis, and gene perturbation strategies.
Undertake in vivo studies using zebrafish models, including inflammation and infection assays, live imaging, and functional analysis of genetic mutants.
For suitable applicants, there will be an opportunity to generate, integrate, and interpret large-scale multi-omics datasets, identifying biologically relevant pathways and regulatory networks.
Use a range of computational tools for data processing, statistical analysis, visualisation, and cross-referencing of multiple datasets.
Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and reports.
Maintain accurate experimental records and comply with laboratory, ethical, and health and safety procedures.
Collaborate effectively with researchers across molecular biology, bioinformatics, and imaging disciplines, and support the training of students and junior researchers where appropriate.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Essential Expertise

Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant biological and/or computer science discipline and experience in molecular and cellular biology, RNA biology, immunology, genomics, or related fields. Strong molecular biology skills and data analysis are essential. Experience with CRISPR technologies, RNA-focused methodologies, transcriptomics, or zebrafish models would be advantageous. Immunohistochemistry and advanced imaging experience are desirable.

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 reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

PhD in a relevant discipline e.g. Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience in working with either human primary immune cells or zebrafish models

Essential

Application/Interview

Strong understanding of RNA biology

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to design, analyse and troubleshoot experiments

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to communicate efficiently and work between groups

Essential

Interview

Strong molecular biology skills e.g PCR and molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, CRISPR etc.

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of working with assays of genome-wide RNA stability, splicing and editing measurement techniques such as RNA-seq, SLAM-seq or eCLIP.

Desirable

Application/Interview

Knowledge of Python, R or other programming languages and experience using UNIX-style operating systems.

Desirable

Application/Interview

Further Information

Grade

7.3-7.5

Salary

£38,784 to £41,064

Work arrangement

Full time

Duration

1st September 2026

Line manager

Direct reports

n/a

Our website

https://renshaw.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/

For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Steve Renshaw, PI, on s.a.renshaw@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in September 2026. This will consist of an interview and presentation followed by a tour of the facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage shortly after the advert closes . If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Cat Loynes on c.loynes@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
- 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.

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).

Please note we also have another role currently advertised, see here for more information (Research Associate - Specialism in Bioinformatics with potential Wetlab experience (2901) )

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.