At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on antiviral therapies and collaborate internationally.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield's innovative research team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global health by tackling viral infections.
- Qualifications: PhD in virology or immunology with extensive lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 47389 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research team at the University of Sheffield. This position is part of a high‑impact, international collaboration aimed at developing a pan‑viral prophylactic therapy against respiratory viral infections. The project is funded by an Advanced Research + Invention Agency and seeks to prime broader antiviral immunity within the nasal epithelium to create a durable, broad‑spectrum intervention.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Design and conduct laboratory experiments to meet project aims, including establishing Air‑Liquid Interface respiratory cultures using primary human nasal epithelial cells, performing controlled viral infection studies with Influenza virus, RSV, Rhinovirus and SARS‑CoV‑2, and conducting single‑cell multi‑omic assays (scRNA‑seq and scATAC‑seq).
- Collaborate with local and international team members to align experimental workflows and achieve technical milestones, including travel to laboratories in the USA and the Netherlands.
- Prepare high‑quality data for technical reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.
- Keep up to date with emerging trends in mucosal immunology, virology, and single‑cell technologies.
- Assist in the day‑to‑day running of the laboratory, supporting compliance with Health & Safety regulations, COSHH, risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications and Criteria:
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in virology, immunology or an equivalent field.
- Extensive experience of viral culture and quantification.
- Extensive experience of cell culture.
- Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment, completing tasks to a high standard.
- Demonstrate experience in the design and interpretation of laboratory experiments.
- Ability to adhere to research protocols, maintain study deadlines and keep meticulous records of experiments undertaken.
- Excellent academic track record, including evidence of publications, prizes, and/or presentations at national/international conferences.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, and experience of delivering presentations.
- Track record of supervising PhD, MSc, or undergraduate students.
- Ability to work constructively and effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of single‑cell sequencing assays.
- Experience of flow cytometry.
- Evidence of analysing next‑generation sequencing data.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary of £38,784 - £47,389 per annum.
- Minimum 41 days annual leave (pro‑rated), with the option to purchase additional days.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid work where appropriate.
- Access to a range of retail discounts and rewards.
- Support for professional development through learning and mentoring schemes.
Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment for the Research Associate role in Engineered Antiviral Resilience. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while engaging in groundbreaking research that has global impact. The university also prioritises professional development, providing ample opportunities for growth and mentorship within a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience in Sheffield
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and any cool projects you've worked on. We want to see your passion for virology and immunology shine through!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the team and their recent work, and think about how your skills can contribute to their projects. We believe that being well-prepared shows your enthusiasm and commitment.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Associate role. Highlight your experience in virology and cell culture, and don’t forget to mention any relevant publications or presentations. We want to see how your background aligns with our project aims!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about developing antiviral therapies and how your skills can contribute to our multidisciplinary team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in our collaborative environment, make sure to demonstrate your written and verbal skills throughout your application. Whether it's in your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, clarity and professionalism are essential.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in virology and immunology. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially those related to viral culture and cell culture. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific techniques like single-cell sequencing assays or controlled viral infection studies. Practise explaining these processes clearly and concisely, as this will demonstrate your expertise and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with international teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve aligned workflows or achieved milestones with others, as teamwork is key in this position.
✨Bring Your Data Game
Be ready to discuss how you prepare high-quality data for reports and publications. Mention any experience you have with report writing and presentations, as well as your ability to keep meticulous records. This will showcase your attention to detail and organisational skills.
