Research Assistant

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 a dynamic and rapidly developing research group focused on identifying novel therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Specifically, we utilise induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons (iPS-MN) to functionally validate genetic drivers of ALS. We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to assist with the day-to-day running of the wet lab work and provide technical support for our enthusiastic team of PhD students and Research Associates.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Maintenance of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), neural progenitor cells, and motor neurons.
• Characterisation of cell lines via immunocytochemistry / confocal microscopy, PCR and Western blotting.
• Karyotyping and routine mycoplasma testing.
• Differentiation of iPSC into motor neurons using our in-house small molecule approach.
• Ordering and preparing reagents for the lab to run efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of data.
• Assist PhD students / Research Associates with their experiments.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days 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.

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 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.