Research Technician

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 24,587 - 30,050; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave (38 days pro rata)

Hybrid working opportunities

Pension scheme

Staff networks

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a part-time Research Technician (60%) to join SITraN and work on a project studying pyruvate metabolism and hypoxia in human stem cell models of ALS. You will differentiate iNPCs from ALS patients into iAstrocytes and support the team led by Dr Scott Allen and a PDRA.

The role requires strong molecular and cellular biology skills, lab experience, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Experience of metabolic approaches to study human disease under normoxia and hypoxia in vitro and/or in vivo.
• Experience of primary tissue culture.
• Generic IT skills, including the use of statistical programs, in addition to Microsoft Office.
• Experience of designing experiments, collecting and analysing data and experience in statistical methods and analysis.
• Awareness of laboratory safety and general laboratory competence.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, ability to communicate to staff at all levels.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
• Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good organisational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the PDRA to perform iNPC tissue culture and sample collection for the project, with flexible scheduling.
• Keep excellent experimental records and prepare reports for Dr Allen.
• Coordinate experiments with collaborators at the University of Sheffield and other project members; assist with general lab duties.
• Carry out additional duties commensurate with grade and remit.

Skills

Metabolic approaches

Primary tissue culture

IT skills

Experiment design

Lab safety

Communication

Independence & teamwork

Creative problem solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical software

Job description

in vivo. Desirable

Overview

Applications are invited for the post of Research Technician within an internationally recognised research group in a vibrant and stimulating environment at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). This post is at the translational medicine interface in motor neuron disease (MND) research also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join an exciting project focussed on pyruvate metabolism and hypoxia in human stem cell models of ALS. We are looking for a practically skilled, well-organised and committed Research Technician who will join the team led by Dr Scott Allen and Dr Ryan West. The person will be supporting a lab based project to differentiate induced neuronal progenitor cell (iNPCs) from ALS patients into iAstrocytes and investigate how the disease affects pyruvate metabolism pathways under normoxia and hypoxia. You will be working under the direction of Dr Allen and a post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) employed on the project. You will have a strong background in molecular and cellular (neuro) biology and should be strongly motivated, self-driven, and able to accept direction and be an excellent team player. Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills are expected. This is part time (21 hours per week), fixed-term post with a start date of 4th January 2027 and an expected end date of 30 April 2028. Salary will be competitive and will be set at the appropriate point on the research technician scale.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

You will work alongside the PDRA to perform the iNPC tissue culture and sample collection required for the project, this will require flexible working based on the needs of the project. You will also be expected to keep excellent experimental records and prepare reports regularly for Dr Allen. You will be required to liaise with other project members including collaborators at the University of Sheffield to coordinate experiments as well as help with general lab duties. Furthermore, you will be expected to 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 experience does not match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

• Application/interview: Experience of metabolic approaches to study human disease under normoxia and hypoxia in vitro and or in vivo.
• Application/interview: Experience of primary tissue culture.
• Application/interview: Generic IT skills, including the ability to use statistical programs, in addition to Microsoft Office suite.
• Application: Experience of designing experiments, collecting and analysing data and experience in statistical methods and analysis.
• Application/interview: Awareness of laboratory safety and general laboratory competence.
• Application/interview: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, ability to communicate to staff at all levels.
• Application/interview: Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines.
• Application/interview: Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
• Application/interview: Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records.
• Application/interview: Ability to work under pressure.
• Interview: Good organisational and time management skills.

Further Information

Grade 5.1

Salary £27,319 pro rata

Work arrangement Part-time 60% on-site

Duration 4th January 2027-30th April 2028

Line manager Dr Scott Allen

Direct reports Dr Scott Allen

Right to work in the UK This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.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 https://sheffield.ac.uk/sitran

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Scott Allen at [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in November 2026. This will consist of a 60-90 minute interview with 10 minute presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 12th October 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Dr 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 38 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 Technical Career Route
• 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

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.