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Job Title: Research Associate/Research Assistant
Posting Start Date: 25/06/2026
Job Id: 2780
School/Department: Biosciences
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £32,080 - £38,784 per annum
Closing Date: 09/07/2026
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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.

Overview

We are looking to appoint an experienced Research Assistant or a Research Associate to join a Wellcome Trust funded research group led by Professor David Strutt, to carry out experiments to understand the molecular basis of planar polarity signalling in the Drosophila wing. The successful candidate will use a mixture of in vivo Drosophila and in vitro cell culture systems to assay core planar protein trafficking and intracellular protein sorting.

Applicants for the Research Associate, Grade 7 level, position must have a PhD in cell and developmental biology, extensive experience using Drosophila molecular genetics and cell culture assays, proficiency in molecular biology to generate constructs for transgenesis and transformation, and advanced light microscopy skills including experience carrying out live and fixed imaging of Drosophila pupal wings and cultured cells, and FRAP. Prior knowledge of mechanisms of planar polarity establishment is essential.

Applicants for the Research Assistant, Grade 6 level, position must have a BSc or MSc in cell and developmental biology, extensive experience using Drosophila molecular genetics and cell culture assays, proficiency in molecular biology to generate constructs for transgenesis and transformation, and advanced light microscopy skills including experience carrying out live and fixed imaging of Drosophila pupal wings and cultured cells, and FRAP. Prior knowledge of mechanisms of planar polarity establishment is essential.

Main duties and responsibilities (Research Associate)

Take responsibility for effective decision-making in support of research, take initiative in developing research plans, and manage the day-to-day research tasks.

Carry out experiments to understand the molecular basis of planar polarity signalling in the Drosophila wing.

Design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data.

Accurately record results, providing data analysis and presenting findings to colleagues at lab meetings.

Plan and prioritise your daily work relating to the project, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.

Develop reproducible analyses, and ensure all data are securely stored and backed up.

Prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.

Draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.

Prepare regular internal reports (as agreed) and contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.

Liaise with postdoctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise and contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.

Undertake supervision of PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.

Be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting junior team members.

Work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider Faculty.

Develop contacts and research collaborations within the School and the wider research community.

Contribute to writing bids for future research grants.

Promote the reputation of the research group, faculty, and the university as a whole.

Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Main duties and responsibilities (Research Assistant)

Take responsibility for effective decision-making in support of research, take initiative in developing research plans with support from the PI, and manage the day-to-day research tasks.

Carry out experiments to understand the molecular basis of planar polarity signalling in the Drosophila wing.

With support from the PI, design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data.

Accurately record results, providing data analysis and presenting findings to colleagues at lab meetings.

Plan and prioritise your daily work relating to the project, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.

Develop reproducible analyses, and ensure all data are securely stored and backed up.

Prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.

Draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.

Prepare regular internal reports (as agreed) and contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.

Liaise with postdoctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise and contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.

Undertake supervision of PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.

Be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting junior team members.

Work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider Faculty.

Develop contacts and research collaborations within the School and the wider research community.

Contribute to writing bids for future research grants.

Promote the reputation of the research group, faculty, and the university as a whole.

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.

Research Associate (Grade 7):
Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Have a PhD in cell and developmental biology

Essential

Application/interview

Good knowledge of mechanisms of planar polarity specification in animals

Essential

Application/interview

Significant research lab experience relevant to studying planar polarity

Essential

Application/interview

Extensive experience using advanced molecular genetic manipulation in Drosophila and Drosophila cell culture to study cell polarity, cell signalling and protein trafficking

Essential

Application/interview

Proficiency in molecular biology and molecular cloning as needed to generate new constructs for transgenesis and transformation

Essential

Application/interview

Advanced light microscopy skills including fixed and live imaging of Drosophila tissues and cells, and FRAP

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 co-supervise UG/PGT 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

Proven flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workloads

Essential

Application/interview

Research Assistant (Grade 6):
Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Have a BSc/MSc in a subject relevant to cell and developmental biology

Essential

Application/interview

Good knowledge of mechanisms of planar polarity specification in animals

Essential

Application/interview

Significant research lab experience relevant to studying planar polarity

Essential

Application/interview

Extensive experience using advanced molecular genetic manipulation in Drosophila and Drosophila cell culture to study cell polarity, cell signalling and protein trafficking

Essential

Application/interview

Proficiency in molecular biology and molecular cloning as needed to generate new constructs for transgenesis and transformation

Essential

Application/interview

Advanced light microscopy skills including fixed and live imaging of Drosophila tissues and cells, and FRAP

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 co-supervise UG/PGT 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

Proven flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workloads

Essential

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

6 (Research Assistant) or 7 (Research Associate)

Salary

(Grade 6) £32,080 - £36,636 per annum

(Grade 7) £38,784 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time (100% FTE)

Duration

Fixed-term (from 1 October 2026 for 12 months)

Line manager

Professor of Developmental Genetics (Principal Investigator)

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor David Strutt (Professor of Developmental Genetics / Principal Investigator) at d.strutt@sheffield.ac.uk

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 an interview including research presentation to panel members. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

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

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

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.

Closing Date : 09/07/2026

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.

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