At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on antiviral therapies and collaborate with global experts.
- Company: Join a leading research team at the University of Sheffield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for international travel, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global health by tackling viral infections.
- Qualifications: PhD in virology or immunology, with lab experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 47389 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate to join a multi-disciplinary 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 focuses on priming broader antiviral immunity by understanding and programming innate immunity within the nasal epithelium to develop a durable, broad spectrum intervention against infection and transmission.
Responsibilities
- Design and conduct laboratory experiments to achieve the project's aims, including establishing Air Liquid Interface respiratory cultures using primary human nasal epithelial cells; controlled viral infection studies with Influenza virus, RSV, Rhinovirus and SARS CoV 2; and single cell multiomic assays (scRNA seq and scATAC seq).
- Collaborate with local and international team members to align experimental workflows and meet technical milestones, including travelling to laboratories in the USA and the Netherlands.
- Prepare high quality data for technical reports, presentations, and peer reviewed publications.
- Stay updated on emerging trends in mucosal immunology, virology, and single cell technologies.
- Support day to day laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety regulations, COSHH, risk assessments and SOPs.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications
- 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 and complete tasks to a high standard.
- Demonstrated ability and 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.
Desirable: experience of single cell sequencing assays, experience of flow cytometry, evidence of analysing next generation sequencing data.
Compensation
£38,784 - £47,389 per annum. Full time, Grade 7. Duration: 01 August 2026 for 48 months.
Closing date
19 June 2026
Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience in Sheffield employer: Job Search Place Limited
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation in research. As a Research Associate, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to contribute to impactful international projects, while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and growth. Located in a vibrant city known for its rich academic heritage, the university provides a unique setting for meaningful and rewarding employment in the field of virology and immunology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Engineered Antiviral Resilience 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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited.
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 Job Search Place Limited'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 Job Search Place Limited. This shows your passion for the industry!
