Research Associate (Stem Cell Biology)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous pension

Annual leave 41 days

Employee discounts

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is inviting applications for a Research Associate to work on an MRC-funded project linking metabolism and epigenetic regulation of stem cell fate. You will study genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cell lines to understand one-carbon metabolism's role in neural differentiation, in collaboration with Dr Yaser Atlasi's group at Queen’s University Belfast.

Applicants should have a PhD (or near completion) in stem cell biology, with experience in hPSC culture,

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in stem cell/developmental biology
• Experience with culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward neuronal lineages
• Experience in qPCR, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry/imaging techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present findings
• Experience supervising or supporting undergraduate/PhD students and collaborating in teams

Responsibilities

• Perform independent research of international standing within the project remit
• Define novel research objectives as experiments progress
• Publish findings in high-quality journals and present at conferences
• Manage time, materials, and equipment effectively
• Support the PI with proposals and funding applications
• Supervise or co-supervise student researchers and quantify progress
• Contribute to consortium meetings and collaboration planning
• Plan ahead to meet journal deadlines and collaboration milestones
• Promote ethical decisions and alignment with sustainability goals

Skills

Culture of hPSCs

Differentiation to neural lineages

qPCR

Flow cytometry

Immunocytochemistry/imaging

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in stem cell/developmental biology

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 an independent and motivated Research Associate to work on an MRC-funded project focusing on the links between metabolism and epigenetic regulation of stem cell fate decisions. The successful applicant will employ genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines to examine how one-carbon metabolism, a key biochemical pathway generating essential metabolites for epigenetic regulation, influences neural differentiation. This project is a close collaboration with the group of Dr Yaser Atlasi from Queen’s University Belfast.

Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in a subject related to stem cell/developmental biology. Experience in culture and differentiation of hPSCs toward neuronal lineages alongside immunocytochemistry/imaging, flow cytometry and qPCR are essential. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and be able to work to a high standard.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct personal research of international standing into the above-mentioned remit for the study. Moreover, the postholder needs to be able to identify literature and updating own knowledge, assessing the validity of the relevant literature and its contribution to the development of own field.
• Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress and initiate and implement relevant programme of research.
• Disseminate research findings/results through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentation either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars.
• Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment.
• Provide support to PI for research proposals and funding applications.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.
• Delegate and monitor the work of research students.
• Deal with reactive requests relating to supervision of research staff and students.
• Participate in consortium meetings and seminars, in particular with collaborators.
• Plan up to several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.
• 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.
• 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 (or be close to completion / have equivalent postdoctoral work experience) in an area related to stem cell/developmental biology

Essential

Application/interview

Experience with culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) toward neuronal lineages

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in qPCR, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry/imaging techniques

Essential

Application/interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of working as part of a collaborative team and a willingness to supervise PhD and undergraduate students

Essential

Application/interview

Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research associated with current projects

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to work flexibly according to the biological demands of the experimental system and availability of equipment

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

£38,784 - £42,254 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time (100% FTE)

Duration

Fixed-term for 12 months from 1 March 2027 to 28 February 2028

Line manager

Senior Lecturer (Principal investigator)

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 and Tsakiridis Lab

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
• 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 : 14/09/2026

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.