Research Associate in Cancer Biology in Sheffield

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield. This three-year project, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, focuses on developing a groundbreaking targeted therapy to prevent breast cancer bone metastasis. You will build upon significant data from the Gartland Group which demonstrates the critical role of the P2X7 receptor in bone cancers. In this role, you will apply a diverse range of cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Your work will involve utilizing in vitro co‑culture models of breast cancer alongside our specialized in‑house in‑vivo and ex‑vivo models of breast cancer and bone disease. To uncover the role of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles in the metastasis cascade, you will perform genome‑wide transcriptomic analyses and proteomic profiling. You will also use advanced tools like CRISPR‑Cas9 and flow cytometry to drive the project's success.

As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate closely with the principal investigator, co‑investigators, and technical colleagues to deliver high‑impact results. Beyond the laboratory, this position offers excellent professional development opportunities. You will help mentor PhD and MSc students in essential laboratory methods and take the lead on writing abstracts, presenting at international scientific conferences, and preparing manuscripts for publication. This is a unique opportunity to use your expertise in cancer biology to make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes within a world‑class research environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Project Execution: Design and perform experiments as required to achieve the project's work package aims, using techniques including breast cancer/bone/endothelial/lung cell co‑culture models, in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. EV isolation and characterisation. Phenotypic cell characterisation such as cell proliferation, migration and other cell‑specific assays. Assess cell dormancy using DiD+ labelling coupled with immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Utilise CRISPR‑Cas9 to generate KO cells. In‑house in‑vivo / ex‑vivo models of breast cancer metastasis and bone disease. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and routine histology. Use genome‑wide transcriptomic analyses, proteomics and other advanced technologies to identify changes in the primary tumour microenvironment vascularisation and immune cell infiltration, and ultimately metastasis.
• Data Analysis and Management: Process and interpret complex datasets, maintain data in accordance with the data management plan, adhering to the University's Good Research and Innovation Practices (GRIP) policy.
• Project Management: Manage the work strictly to meet project milestones, including regular reporting to funders.
• Documentation: Maintain rigorous and detailed records of wet‑lab protocols, results and analysis.
• Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team and clinical colleagues contributing to strategic discussions on clinical translation.
• Supervision: Teach PhD and MSc students laboratory techniques as required.
• Dissemination: Write abstracts to present findings at national and international research conferences, write up data for peer‑review publication, interact with Yorkshire Cancer Research to disseminate results to patient and public groups.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all health & safety policies, including CoSHH regulations and specific SOPs for handling human biological samples. 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

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology. (Essential)
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline. (Essential)
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g. publications, presentations). (Essential)
• Demonstrated experience in tissue culture, molecular and cellular biology techniques. (Essential)
• Experience in molecular profiling techniques in cancer (e.g. mass spectrometry, RNAseq, qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry). (Essential)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (Essential)
• Strong teamworking, time‑management and project management skills. (Essential)
• Have utilised in vivo models for cancer studies. (Desirable)
• Expertise in EV isolation and characterisation. (Desirable)
• Experience in computational analysis of biological data/bioinformatics. (Desirable)

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Duration: 3 years available from 1st June 2026
• Line manager: Principal Investigator
• Direct reports: n/a
• Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph

For informal enquiries contact Professor Alison Gartland, on a.gartland@sheffield.ac.uk

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 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.
• 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 and 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.
• Access to menopause support in the workplace.
• Paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.

Disability Confident Leader. 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. 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.