Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate (Molecular Biology)

Posting Start Date:

07/11/2025

Job Id:

1819

School/Department:

Biosciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,784 - 47,389 per annum

Closing Date:

07/12/2025
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

The laboratory of Professor Matt Johnson in the School of Biosciences seeks a Research Associate to work on a collaborative project funded by a BBSRC award.



The aims of the BBSRC funded project relevant to this position are to: (1) characterise the structural and functional properties of a range of engineered algal strains containing modified photosynthetic complexes using a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods; (2) purify a range of native and engineered protein complexes involved in photosynthesis; (3) use cryo-electron microscopy to determine the high-resolution structures of these complexes, using the latest approaches at all stages, including making grids, data analysis and model building.


Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) with a strong background in protein structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy, specifically with experience with large, multisubunit membrane protein complexes. Experience in gene manipulation, general protein engineering and purification of membrane and membrane-extrinsic proteins is also required.

Main duties and responsibilities

(1) characterise the structural and functional properties of a range of engineered algal strains containing modified photosynthetic complexes using a variety of biophysical and spectroscopic methods; (2) purify a range of native and engineered protein complexes involved in photosynthesis; (3) use cryo-electron microscopy to determine the high-resolution structures of these complexes, using the latest approaches at all stages, including making grids, data analysis and model building. Solve problems regarding the optimised production and purification of photosynthetic membrane protein complexes, from a range of bacterial and plant sources. Biochemical characterisation of designed complexes using gel electrophoresis, western blots, sucrose ultracentrifugation, gel filtration. Characterise these samples functionally using fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging and absorption spectroscopy. Collaborate with senior colleagues in order to prepare papers for journals and presentations for national and international conferences to disseminate research findings. Interact with and supervise PhD students within the research group. Plan experimental tasks up to 3 weeks ahead, although advance planning may vary from 1 week up to 3 months depending on the availability of materials, space and cryo-electron microscopes. Keep appropriate records of all work carried out. Develop new collaborations both within the University of Sheffield and with external groups. 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 with a relevant scientific background such as biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry (or equivalent experience)


Essential


Application


Hold general biochemistry skills, including preparation of membrane proteins by sucrose gradients, purification of cytochromes and photosynthetic complexes by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography, FPLC etc


Essential


Application


Have extensive experience of cryo-electron microscopy, image analysis, and a relevant computational background


Essential


Application


Ability to manage an independent, original research project


Essential


Interview


Effective communications skills, both verbal and written; experience of delivering presentations and writing papers


Essential


Interview


Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications


Essential


Interview


Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities


Essential


Interview


Experience of developing collaborations


Essential


Interview


Experience of working in a large and diverse research team


Essential


Interview


Have experience of analytical gel electrophoresis such as SDS PAGE and BN PAGE


Desirable


Application


Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances


Desirable


Interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,784 - 47,389 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

1 January 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for 33 months

Line manager

Principal Investigator (Professor of Biochemistry)

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences


For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Amanda Brindley (Research Project Coordinator) at a.brindley@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. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and 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 : 07/12/2025





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.