At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cutting-edge research in stem cell biology and contribute to innovative projects.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medical research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in a relevant biological discipline and experience with key lab techniques.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 33002 £ 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.
We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the research group led by Dr Anestis Tsakiridis. The successful applicant will provide support for routine human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) culture and differentiation, preparation of samples and analysis. General lab management duties will also be required. This work is part of an MRC DPFS-funded project aiming to develop a cell therapy to treat Hirschsprung disease.
Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology and experience with the following techniques:
- Cell (ideally hPSC) culture
- RNA isolation
- Quantitative real time PCR
- Immunostaining
- Fluorescence/confocal microscopy
- Flow cytometry
Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software and excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines are also essential.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out routine culture, differentiation and harvesting of various hPSC cell lines.
- Analysis of harvested samples e.g. by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and qPCR.
- Assist in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Provide assistance to other members of the laboratory when required.
- Accurately record results, providing analysis and presenting findings to colleagues.
- Carry out lab management tasks e.g. stock maintenance, reagent purchasing etc.
- Be involved with the development and testing of new techniques/approaches, including the monitoring and maintenance of equipment and systems for use by staff and students.
- Contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication in international journals.
- Contribute to the group’s wider dissemination of research through outreach and public engagement activities.
- Prioritise own work within a general schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist the PI and other staff in planning future work, including coordinating arrangements and delegating tasks to others.
- Analyse and problem solve to understand and interpret information and make recommendations.
- Attend all required safety and training courses, comply with required safety, licensing, and technical regulations, and assist the PI in ensuring the lab is also compliant.
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.
Criteria
- BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology - Essential
- Experience with the following techniques: cell (ideally hPSC) culture, RNA isolation; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; flow cytometry - Essential
- Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software - Essential
- Effective written and verbal communication skills: report writing, delivering presentations, developing relationships and working successfully with collaborators and partners - Essential
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines - Essential
- Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and adapt own skills to new circumstances - Essential
- Experience in qPCR, immunostaining, flow cytometry and fluorescence/confocal microscopy techniques - Desirable
- Experience in lab management - Desirable
Further Information
Grade 6
Salary £32,080 - £33,002 per annum
Work arrangement Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration Fixed-term for 36 months from 1 January 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Line manager Senior Lecturer (Principal investigator)
Direct reports None
Closing Date: 15/09/2026
The University of Sheffield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and students. It is an offence to apply for this role if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding checks in line with the requirements of each role and the guidance from the Department for Education.
Research Assistant (Stem Cell Biology) in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Senior Technician in the Geotechnical & Water Engineering Research Group, you will benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional growth through mentoring and training opportunities. Located on a central campus, you'll be part of a diverse community that values innovation and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful research and education.
Contact Details:
The University of Sheffield Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Stem Cell Biology) 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!
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✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Stem Cell Biology) 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 The University of Sheffield 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 The University of Sheffield.
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 The University of Sheffield 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 The University of Sheffield
✨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 The University of Sheffield. 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 The University of Sheffield'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 The University of Sheffield. This shows your passion for the industry!
