Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate in molecular, digital and computational pathology

Posting Start Date:

01/07/2025

Job Id:

1238

School/Department:

School of Clinical Dentistry

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,249 - 46,735

Closing Date:

10/08/2025
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 are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the NEOPATH research group within the Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of molecular biology, computational science, and translational oncology, contributing to cutting edge research in the pathology of head and neck cancers.



Led by Professor Ali Khurram, this multidisciplinary project focuses on understanding the tumour microenvironment and disease progression by integrating digital histology, radiology, immunohistochemistry, multiplex imaging, and spatial transcriptomics with advanced bioinformatics and AIdriven analysis.


You will work alongside molecular biologists, pathologists, and data scientists to generate and analyse multimodal datasets that uncover new prognostic biomarkers and inform precision therapies. The role involves both wet-lab experimentation and computational modelling, offering a unique opportunity for someone with a background in molecular or cell biology who is also skilled in bioinformatics, image analysis, and machine learning.



You'll be part of a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking research environment committed to making real clinical impact through innovation in cancer diagnostics and personalised medicine.

Main duties and responsibilities

Conduct research aligned with the project's objectives, contributing to both molecular and cell biology experiments and computational/bioinformatics analyses. Generate, process, and analyse multimodal datasets including immunohistochemistry, multiplex imaging, and spatial transcriptomics, integrating findings from laboratory work with computational outputs. Manage and maintain laboratory equipment, digital pathology tools, software environments, and data systems essential for experimental and computational workflows. Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the NEOPATH research group, engaging with co-investigators to meet project milestones and contribute to overall planning and delivery. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activity, including wet-lab protocols, data acquisition processes, and bioinformatics pipelines. Adhere to Health & Safety policies, including CoSHH regulations and SOPs. Liaise regularly with the principal investigator and project supervisors, contributing to team meetings and strategic discussions. Prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, collaborators, and external audiences such as conferences. Undertake literature reviews to ensure the project is informed by the latest developments. Contribute to manuscript preparation, technical reports, and funding applications. Support responsible research conduct and sustainability practices. Carry out other duties as required, commensurate with the scope and grade 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

PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or computational pathology


Essential


Application


Undergraduate degree in a relevant biological, biomedical, or computational discipline


Essential


Application


Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g., publications, presentations)


Essential


Application


Demonstrated experience in molecular and/or cellular biology techniques (e.g., RNA/protein extraction, tissue processing, multiplex imaging analysis)


Essential


Application/Interview


Experience in bioinformatics or computational analysis of biological data (e.g., transcriptomics, spatial omics, image analysis, machine learning)


Essential


Application/Interview


Ability to integrate experimental and computational data


Essential


Application/Interview


Excellent written and verbal communication skills


Essential


Application


Strong teamworking and time-management skills


Essential


Application/Interview


Experience with spatial transcriptomics or multiplex imaging (e.g., Visium, CODEX, MIBI)


Desirable


Application/Interview


Familiarity with digital pathology or AI-based analysis platforms (e.g., QuPath, HALO, CellProfiler, R/Python)


Desirable


Application/Interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,249 - 46,735

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

1 October 2025 - 30 September 2029

Line manager

Principal Investigator

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool


For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ali Khurram, Dean & Principal Investigator: on s.a.khurram@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 4 weeks of the application submission date. This will consist of an interview and presentation, the title of which will be provided to all shortlisted candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the close of the application process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Young on j.l.young@sheffield.ac.uk who will be able to assist..

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.

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.