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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to engineer photosynthetic microorganisms and analyse their properties.
- Company: The University of Sheffield is a world-class institution known for its diverse community and innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a strong pension scheme, and exclusive retail discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful research that contributes to sustainability and scientific advancement in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: A degree in molecular biology or microbiology with experience in genetic engineering and protein analysis is essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term position with opportunities for personal development and networking.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 31000 £ per year.
Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology)
Join to apply for the Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology) role at The University of Sheffield
Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology)
Join to apply for the Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology) role at The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield provided pay range
This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
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 (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
The laboratory of Professor Neil Hunter FRS in the School of Biosciences seeks a Research Assistant to work on a collaborative project funded by an ERC Synergy award. The postholder will collaborate with researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, as part of the Synergy research programme.
The aims of the Sheffield part of the Synergy PhotoRedesign project relevant to this position are to: (1) genetically engineer a range of photosynthetic microorganisms to produce combinations of non-native proteins and pigments; (2) characterise the pigment content of engineered strains and isolated protein complexes using techniques such as absorption spectroscopy and LC-MS; (3) use protein design tools to design new protein scaffolds or modify existing ones; and (4) utilise adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to enhance the growth of genetically engineered strains and identify mutations using genomic sequencing.
Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant subject area and have a strong background in molecular biology and microbiology, ideally using a combination of E. coli, cyanobacteria, purple bacteria and other phototrophic microorganisms. Experience in techniques such as markerless genomic manipulation and CRISPR-Cas gene editing are essential, alongside the ability to purify membrane and membrane-extrinsic proteins, work with light- and oxygen-sensitive pigments, and perform small molecule analysis using techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- 1) Design constructs to generate a range of genetically engineered strains of phototrophic microorganisms to produce non-native combinations of pigment-proteins and pigments; (2) characterise the pigment content of engineered strains and biochemically isolate and characterise native and engineered pigment-protein complexes; (3) use classical microbiology approaches to characterise fitness of engineered strains under different growth regimes and use ALE (Adaptive Laboratory Evolution) to select for better performing strains and identify and characterise mutations in adapted lines.
- Work with protein design experts to design, produce and text combinations of designer pigment-binding proteins in strains with various pigment compositions.
- Biochemical characterisation of designed complexes using gel electrophoresis, western blots, sucrose ultracentrifugation and gel filtration.
- Characterise samples functionally using fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime imaging and absorption spectroscopy.
- Collaborate with senior colleagues to prepare papers for journals and presentations for national and international conferences to disseminate research findings.
- Interact with and supervise PhD and undergraduate students within the research group.
- Support the management of collaborations within the Synergy team at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Centre Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic, through regular online meetings and by visiting these laboratories when appropriate.
- Plan experimental tasks
- Keep appropriate records of all work carried out including detailed plasmid and strain libraries.
- Develop new collaborations both within the University of Sheffield and with external groups.
- 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
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.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
Applicants must hold a degree in a relevant subject area and have a strong background in molecular biology and microbiology
Essential
Application
Have general molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry skills, including extensive experience with bacterial molecular genetics, culturing (phototrophic) bacteria, measuring bacterial growth, pigment/cofactor analysis, genome sequence analysis and biochemical preparation of membrane and soluble proteins by sucrose gradients using affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography, FPLC etc.
Essential
Application
Have experience of protein design and predicating protein structure using tools such as AlphaFold.
Desirable
Application
Ability to manage an independent, original research project
Essential
Interview
Effective communications skills, both verbal and written; experience of delivering presentations and writing papers
Essential
Interview
Ability to develop and sustain successful collaborations
Essential
Interview
Ability to work effectively with colleagues and collaborators in a large and diverse research team
Essential
Application
Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications
Essential
Interview
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities
Essential
Interview
Essential
Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances
Interview
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
£31,637 – £36,130 per annum
Work arrangement
Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration
Fixed-term from 1 October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to 31 December 2026
Line manager
Principal Investigator (Krebs Professor of Biochemistry)
Direct reports
None
Our website
School of Biosciences
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Amanda Brindley (Lab Manager) at a.brindley@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday 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 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
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.
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. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Industries
Higher Education
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Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology) employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing and markerless genomic manipulation. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods during the interview will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the University of Sheffield, especially those in the School of Biosciences. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research projects in detail, particularly those related to molecular biology and microbiology. Highlight any collaborative efforts, as teamwork is essential for this role, especially given the international collaboration aspect.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent advancements in molecular biology and microbiology, particularly in the area of photosynthetic microorganisms. Being knowledgeable about current trends and breakthroughs will show your passion for the field and your commitment to contributing to the research team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Molecular Biology and Microbiology)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in molecular biology and microbiology. Include specific techniques you've used, such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing and markerless genomic manipulation, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the research being conducted at The University of Sheffield. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with phototrophic microorganisms.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves collaboration with international teams, emphasise any previous experiences you have working in diverse research groups. Showcase your ability to communicate effectively and manage collaborative projects.
Address the Application Criteria: Carefully reference the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description within your application statement. This shows that you understand the requirements and can meet them, making your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with molecular biology and microbiology techniques, especially those mentioned in the job description like CRISPR-Cas gene editing and markerless genomic manipulation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these skills.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Experience
Since this role involves working with international teams, share examples of past collaborations. Discuss how you effectively communicated and contributed to team goals, particularly in a research setting.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to analyse and solve problems. Think of scenarios from your previous work where you faced challenges and how you approached them, especially in experimental design or data analysis.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Research
Research the latest developments in molecular biology and microbiology, particularly related to photosynthetic microorganisms. Being knowledgeable about recent studies can help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
