Research Associate/Research Assistant

The University of Sheffield is a leading research university, appointing a Research Assistant or Associate to work in a Wellcome Trust‑funded group on planar polarity signalling in the Drosophila wing.

Overview

The successful candidate will conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments to dissect the molecular basis of planar polarity signalling, using Drosophila and cell culture models.

Research Associate (Grade 7)

Applicants must hold a PhD in cell and developmental biology and have extensive experience with Drosophila genetics, cell culture, transgenesis, and advanced light microscopy, including FRAP. Prior knowledge of planar polarity mechanisms is essential.

Research Assistant (Grade 6)

Applicants must hold a BSc or MSc in a relevant field and have similar experience in Drosophila genetics, cell culture, transgenesis, and microscopy. Prior knowledge of planar polarity mechanisms 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, providing data analysis and presenting findings to colleagues 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 presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
• Draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.
• Prepare regular internal reports (as agreed) and contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.
• Liaise with post‑doctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise and contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
• Undertake supervision of PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
• Be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting 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, providing data analysis and presenting findings to colleagues 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 presentation in oral and poster formats and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
• Draft publications, prepare them for submission, and submit publications to refereed journals.
• Prepare regular internal reports (as agreed) and contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.
• Liaise with post‑doctoral researchers at other sites to coordinate research and organise and contribute to regular meetings of the collaborative research team.
• Undertake supervision of PhD, UG and PGT students as agreed and advise students on data analysis techniques.
• Be an active team member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, and encouraging and supporting 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 (Grade 7)
• 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 cloning to generate 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, experience of delivering presentations.
• Experience 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 appreciation of longer‑term implications.
• Ability to assess, organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
• Proven flexible approach with ability to prioritise workloads.
• Essential criteria are assessed at application/interview.
• Research Assistant (Grade 6)
• BSc or MSc in a subject relevant to cell and developmental biology.

Salary

Grade 6: £32,080 – £36,636 per annum.

Grade 7: £38,784 per annum.

Work arrangement

Full‑time (100 % FTE).

Duration

Fixed‑term: 1 October 2026 for 12 months.

Line manager

Professor of Developmental Genetics (Principal Investigator).

Direct reports

None.

What We Offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave, including bank holidays and closure days (pro rata), with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• A generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A range of staff networks, e.g. Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks.
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
• 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 menopause; paid time off and support for fertility treatment; and more.

Disability confident employer

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date

09/07/2026.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…