Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate (in vivo)

Posting Start Date:

15/10/2025

Job Id:

1700

School/Department:

School of Medicine & Population Health

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,784.00

Closing Date:

04/11/2025

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). SITraN is a purpose-built research facility which was opened in November 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen and awarded the Queen's Anniversary prize for higher education in 2020 in recognition of having made an outstanding positive impact in patient's lives. The Institute houses clinical and basic scientists from the Department of Neuroscience and the primary focus is research into neurodegenerative disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.



We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting translational research project to assess the repurposing potential of clinically approved Janus Kinase inhibitors (Jakinibs) for motor neuron disease (MND/ALS) in mouse models of MND/ALS. You will be part of a team (two postdoctoral researchers and two research technicians) evaluating in vitro and in vivo disease models. This post is focussed on in vivo models and delivering high quality data in two different models of MND; SOD1G93A and TDP-43Q331K transgenic mice to probe the mechanistic basis for neuroprotection by selected Janus kinase inhibitors. Opportunities for career development and training in drug discovery, including potential to supervise others will be available for the right candidate. We have a track record of identifying molecules for clinical translation and you will be exposed to an environment focussed on drug discovery and development, building a highly transferrable skill set.



This post is fixed-term for 2 years.

Main duties and responsibilities

Design, set-up and run experiments in relation to the project after consultation with the Principal Investigators. Demonstrate a high level of competence in in vivomouse models of neurodegeneration, particularly behavioural analysis, dosing, tissue collection and evaluation. Demonstrate a high level of competence in molecular and cellular biology techniques, particularly gene and protein expression analysis in in vivomouse model systems. Work competently within UK Home Office regulatory framework for in vivo experiments. Keep excellent scientific records and analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare reports and present data in team meetings. 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. 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, co-ordinate activities with other group members. 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 own 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 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. Any other duties, commensurate with the 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

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in neuroscience.


Essential


Application


Experience of in vivo mouse neurodegenerative models with a Home Office license.


Essential


Application


Experience with biochemical and molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry.

Essential


Application


Experience of in vitro cell culture.


Desirable


Application


Experience with analysis of tissue from in vivo disease models or human CNS.


Essential


Application


Generic IT skills, including the ability to use statistical programs (Graph Pad Prism), in addition to Microsoft Office suite


Essential


Application


Experience of designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data and experience in statistical methods and analysis.


Essential


Application/interview


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 organization'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


Application/interview


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


Essential


Application/interview


Good organizational and time management skills.


Essential


Interview


Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.


Essential


Interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,784 to 42,254

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

2 years

Line manager

Professor

Direct reports

NA

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/sitran


For informal enquiries about this job contact

Dr Richard Mead, Senior Lecturer

at

r.j.mead@sheffield.ac.uk

or on

0114 222 2256

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 on the week within two 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 contact

clinmed-staffing@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; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways 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.