Research Associate in extracellular vesicles research

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), an award-winning research facility recognised for its outstanding positive impact on patient’s lives. SITraN houses clinical and basic neuroscientists from the School of Medicine and Population Health and the primary focus is research into neurodegenerative diseases such as motor neuron disease (MND), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Research Associate to join an exciting translational research project. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team under the supervision of Professors Pamela Shaw and Heather Mortiboys. The project will focus on extracellular vesicles (ECVs) including robust isolation from human biofluids, cellular models and analysis of proteins, microRNAs and lipids as potential biomarkers of neurodegeneration and signals of therapeutic efficacy.

You will conduct laboratory research on a semi-independent basis under the direction of the principal investigators. You will be expected to: design, execute and evaluate experiments; keep excellent experimental records; train and guide junior colleagues, prepare reports regularly and feedback to industrial partners in conference calls and written reports. You will contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, attend and deliver seminars; locally, nationally, and internationally.

You will have a strong background in ECV biology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular neurobiology. With experience in a range of techniques related to the isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles. The candidate should be strongly motivated, self-driven, an excellent team player and receptive to direction. Good communication, written and interpersonal skills are expected.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, set up and run experiments concerning the project after consultation with the Principal Investigators.
• Demonstrate a high level of competence in molecular and cellular biology techniques, particularly human cells, DNA, RNA and protein extraction, immunocytochemistry, high-content imaging and cell-based assays.
• Demonstrate expertise in the isolation and characterisation from cellular models and human biosamples.
• Keep excellent scientific records and analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare reports and participate in conference calls with industrial partners.
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Write and document lab procedures, protocols and study design.
• Undertake other tasks related to the project as requested by the line manager.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of relevant scientific developments in the field.
• Teamwork- provide help to other researchers in the same laboratory in related fields of research, and co-ordinate activities with other group members and industrial partners.
• Plan for specific aspects of the research programme as discussed with the supervisor of the project. • Assist in the day-to-day management and delivery of the project.
• For each particular hypothesis, plan for your contribution up to three months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims. Design individual experiments weekly.
• Supervise research team/activities including the work of graduate students and technicians if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Order all reagents/consumables required for the experimental work.
• Liaise with staff from other Departments or outside agencies.
• 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.

Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD (or be close to completion) in molecular or cellular biology, or neuroscience (or equivalent experience). | Essential | Application

Experience of genetic, molecular and cellular laboratory work. | Essential | Application/interview

Experience of working with human ECVs in the context of neuroscience. | Essential | Application/interview

Experience of in vitro mammalian cell-based assays. | Essential | Application/interview

Experience of collection, storage and processing of human biofluid samples. | Desirable | Application/interview

IT skills, including the ability to use statistical programs, in addition to Microsoft Office suite. | Essential | Application/interview

Experience of designing experiments, collecting and analysing data and experience in statistical methods and analysis. | Essential | Application/interview

Knowledge of and compliance with good laboratory practice; Awareness of laboratory safety and general laboratory competence. | Essential | Application/interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations; communicating to staff at all levels the organisation’s strategic plan and their personal contribution towards it. | Essential | Application/interview

Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines. | Essential | Interview

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving. | Essential | Interview

Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records. | Essential | Interview

Good organizational and time management skills; ability to work under pressure. | Essential | Interview

Further Information

Grade | 7

Salary | £38,784 - £42,254

Work arrangement | Full-time

Duration | Fixed term for 3 years, potentially extendable for a further 2 years

Line manager | Professor of Neurology

Direct reports | Professor of Neurology; Professor of Cellular Neuroscience and Metabolism

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 | Sitran

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Professor of Neurology: on Pamela.Shaw@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 2231

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 a panel interview including a 15-minute presentation with questions on a recent research project, a tour of the laboratories and opportunity to meet members of the research team. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contactthe Staffing Team at smph-west-staffing@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 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
• 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.