Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate (Developmental Biology)

Posting Start Date:

22/09/2025

Job Id:

1553

School/Department:

Biosciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,784 - 41,064 per annum

Closing Date:

20/10/2025
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 seek a highly motivated developmental biologist to join the group of Dr Nicola Nadeau on a Leverhulme Research Project grant researching the genetics and biomechanics of butterfly scale structure formation. You will work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team in a vibrant research environment, within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster.





Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in evolutionary developmental biology along with experience of developmental and molecular biology techniques, including imaging and gene expression analysis. A proven ability to perform cutting-edge science, as evidenced through publications in high quality journals or on pre-print servers is also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

Conduct research of international standing into the structural formation of butterfly wing scales during development. Apply and develop tools for imaging butterfly scale structure formation (e.g. immunofluorescence, super-resolution microscopy). Perform developmental manipulations (e.g. using CRISPR/Cas9) to determine the role of specific cellular components in scale morphogenesis. Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress, initiate and implement relevant programme of research. Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment. Assist with setting up equipment, ordering and organisation of resources in the lab. Disseminate research findings through the production of papers for high quality journals and presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars. Provide support to the PI for research proposals and funding applications. Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate/postgraduate students. Maintain effective communication within the team and with collaborating research groups Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments. 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 equivalent experience) in evolutionary developmental biology




Essential




Application




Experience of developmental and molecular biology techniques, including imaging and gene expression analysis




Essential




Application/interview




Experience of applying developmental techniques to non-model organisms (e.g. Heliconius)




Desirable




Application/interview




Experience of using Crispr/Cas9 on non-model organisms




Desirable




Application/interview




Proven ability to perform cutting-edge science, as evidenced through publications in high quality journals or on pre-print servers




Essential




Application




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




Essential




Application/interview




Experience communicating with a team of staff, including undergraduate and postgraduate students




Essential




Application/interview




Ability to direct your own research and assume leadership on a project




Essential




Application/interview




Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving




Essential




Application/interview




Willingness to tackle unfamiliar tasks and develop new skills




Essential




Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,784 - 41,064 per annum

Work arrangement

100% FTE

Duration

Fixed-term from 13 October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of 4 years

Line manager

Senior Lecturer / Project Lead

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences




For informal enquiries about this job contact Nicola Nadeau, project lead: on n.nadeau@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 4717

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, with the opportunity to meet other members of the team and visit the School of Biosciences. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised 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 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 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 : 20/10/2025





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.