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. The role will 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, 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, 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, provide data analysis and present findings 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 oral and poster presentations and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
- Draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit them to refereed journals.
- Prepare regular internal reports and contribute to reports for research sponsors.
- Liaise with postdoctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
- Supervise PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
- Be an active team member, set positive examples, and encourage and support 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, provide data analysis and present findings 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 oral and poster presentations and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
- Draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit them to refereed journals.
- Prepare regular internal reports and contribute to reports for research sponsors.
- Liaise with postdoctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
- Supervise PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
- Be an active team member, set positive examples, and encourage and support 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 (Research Associate)
- Have a PhD in cell and developmental biology.
- Good knowledge of mechanisms of planar polarity specification in animals.
- Significant research lab experience relevant to studying planar polarity.
- Extensive experience using advanced molecular genetic manipulation in Drosophila and Drosophila cell culture to study cell polarity, cell signalling and protein trafficking.
- Proficiency in molecular biology and molecular cloning to generate new constructs for transgenesis and transformation.
- Advanced light microscopy skills including fixed and live imaging of Drosophila tissues and cells, and FRAP.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.
- Experience of working as part of a collaborative team and willingness to co‑supervise UG/PGT students.
- Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience.
- Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
- Ability to assess and organise resources and plan and progress work activities.
- Proven flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workloads.
Person Specification (Research Assistant)
- Have a BSc or MSc in a subject relevant to cell and developmental biology.
- Good knowledge of mechanisms of planar polarity specification in animals.
- Significant research lab experience relevant to studying planar polarity.
- Extensive experience using advanced molecular genetic manipulation in Drosophila and Drosophila cell culture to study cell polarity, cell signalling and protein trafficking.
- Proficiency in molecular biology and molecular cloning to generate new constructs for transgenesis and transformation.
- Advanced light microscopy skills including fixed and live imaging of Drosophila tissues and cells, and FRAP.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.
- Experience of working as part of a collaborative team and willingness to co‑supervise UG/PGT students.
- Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience.
- Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
- Ability to assess and organise resources and plan and progress work activities.
- Proven flexible approach with the ability to prioritise workloads.
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
- Contact for informal enquiries: d.strutt@sheffield.ac.uk
Closing Date 09/07/2026
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.
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