Research Assistant - Developmental Neurobiology in Sheffield

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and enthusiastic individual interested in developmental neurobiology. You will join a Wellcome Trust-funded project team in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield investigating the development of the brain. You will work closely with the project team to provide essential support for specific research activities, assist with the routine maintenance of lab equipment, and assist in lab management, including routine ordering and maintenance of databases. You will additionally work on an individual project. You will be enthusiastic about research and have degree-level experience in biological sciences, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related field. Experience in chick embryology, basic molecular biology, in situ hybridization, fluorescent microscopy, image capture and Adobe Photoshop are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Carry out research/experiments, primarily performing studies on chick embryos, investigating hypothalamic cell development.
• Perform data mining of chick scRNA-seq datasets.
• Participate in weekly project team meetings and attend relevant research seminars, including presentation of own research data.
• Provide support to lab PI and postdocs engaged on the project.
• Take responsibility for day-to-day experiments, including windowing/staging of chick embryos, in vivo manipulations, and post-operative analyses.
• Perform multiplex HCR in situ hybridisation.
• Conduct microscopy imaging and image analysis.
• Work effectively with other research staff and students.
• Take responsibility for core equipment, particularly fluorescent microscopes used by a range of research-active individuals.
• Manage Health and Safety aspects of the work to agreed standards.
• Accurately record results, providing analysis and presenting findings to academic colleagues.
• Adapt and transfer skills to new technology and innovations, working flexibly across laboratories as required.
• Analyse and record data to aid the design of future research.
• Take responsibility for self-development and on-the-job learning; keeping abreast of developments in techniques and technology.
• 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:

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.

• Have a good honours degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related field (Essential).
• Have experience in chick embryology, in particular in vivo manipulation (Essential).
• Have experience in HCR in situ hybridisation (Essential).
• Have experience in data mining, particularly of scRNA-seq datasets (Desirable).
• Have experience in tissue culture (Desirable).
• Have experience in basic molecular biology (Desirable).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential).
• Have experience in fluorescent microscopy, image capture and Adobe Photoshop (Essential).
• Have experience in data analysis, data interpretation and data communication (Essential).
• Ability to work under own initiative to agreed protocols and deadlines, and to plan and progress work activities (Essential).
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving (Desirable).
• Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances (Desirable).

Further Information:

Grade 6 Salary £32,080 - £34,610 per annum Work arrangement Full-time (35 hours per week) Duration Fixed term for a period of 12 months from October 2026 Line manager Professor of Developmental Neurobiology (PI) Direct reports None.

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility.

Closing Date: 12/08/2026.

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.