At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore RNA regulation in immune responses using bioinformatics and experimental techniques.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a world-class institution fostering diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and extensive retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive community focused on personal development.
- Why this job: Make impactful discoveries in immunology while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with experience in bioinformatics and high-throughput data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 41064 £ per year.
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, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Do you have a passion for using bioinformatics to understand immunology, RNA and gene-regulation? We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to join an ambitious and interdisciplinary programme at the University of Sheffield investigating how RNA regulation controls innate immune responses during inflammation and infection. You will have a PhD in an appropriate subject and a research record in bioinformatics and the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, including RNA-related datasets.
The project will generate extensive multi-omics data, creating unique opportunities to integrate diverse data types and make transformative biological discoveries. While computationally focused, this position is suited to someone with the ability and motivation to perform experimental tasks and the strongest candidates will have experience in conducting high-throughput RNA focused experiments as well as analysing the results of them.
You will form part of a team that will combine primary human immune cell (neutrophils) culture and zebrafish models with the latest molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics and in vivo imaging to investigate how ELAVL1, a major RNA-binding protein, impacts on immune cell biology. Together, we will uncover the fundamental principles of immune regulation by post-transcript regulation, with relevance to inflammatory diseases.
Main duties and responsibilities include:
- Design and conduct collaborative research into the molecular mechanisms regulating ELAVL1 function in innate immune cells.
- Process high-throughput datasets, and design and apply novel statistical analysis, visualisation, using R, Python, bash, or other suitable programming languages.
- Generate, integrate, and interpret large-scale multi-omics datasets, using them to generate and test novel hypotheses.
- Investigate post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including intron retention, mRNA stability, RNA editing, methylation, and protein phosphorylation.
- Design, analyse and perform high-throughput -omics experiments, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), eCLIP, SLAM-seq, RIP-seq, and associated transcriptomic datasets in vitro and in vivo.
- For suitable applicants, there will be an opportunity to develop and apply molecular biology approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA affinity pull-down assays, mutant analysis, and gene perturbation strategies.
- Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and reports.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and comply with laboratory, ethical, and health and safety procedures.
- Collaborate effectively with researchers across molecular biology, bioinformatics, and imaging disciplines, and support the training of students and junior researchers where appropriate.
Essential expertise includes:
- PhD in a relevant biological and/or bioinformatic discipline and experience of bioinformatic analysis of the datasets generated by molecular and cellular biology, RNA biology, immunology, genomics, or related fields.
- Experience analysing large datasets using relevant programming languages.
- Experience with CRISPR technologies, RNA-focused methodologies, transcriptomics, imaging experience or zebrafish models would be advantageous for candidates with dual wet-lab/bioinformatics expertise.
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.
Further information includes:
- Grade: 7.3 - 7.5
- Salary: £38,784 to £41,064
- Work arrangement: Full time
- Duration: 1st September 2026
Research Associate - Specialism in Bioinformatics with potential Wetlab experience in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
Diversity Dashboard is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about tackling inequality and poverty. With a flexible working environment in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Specialism in Bioinformatics with potential Wetlab experience in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Diversity Dashboard. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Diversity Dashboard!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Specialism in Bioinformatics with potential Wetlab experience in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Diversity Dashboard that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Diversity Dashboard.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Diversity Dashboard does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Diversity Dashboard. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Diversity Dashboard's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Diversity Dashboard. This shows your passion for the industry!
