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- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on chick limb development and mentor PhD students.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41+ days of annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in developmental biology and collaborate with leading scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in developmental biology or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Access to advanced facilities and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 43400 £ 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 an ambitious and creative Research Associate to join the research group led by Dr Matt Towers. The successful applicant will work on a three-year BBSRC-funded project investigating how the pattern of skeletal structures is specified in chick limbs. This project can involve complementary systems including a powerful chick wing tissue explant system we have recently developed and catshark embryos to test evolutionary predictions. The successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and implementing innovative experiments, working closely within a multidisciplinary team of senior scientists, a senior technician and PhD students.
Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in areas related to developmental biology.
- Practical experience in embryology and a good theoretical knowledge of developmental biology is essential.
- Experience in light‑sheet/confocal microscopy, HCR in situ techniques, RNA/ATAC‑sequencing and bioinformatics is desirable.
- The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and be able to work to a high standard.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Undertake experiments on developing chick limbs to investigate how the pattern of skeletal elements is specified.
- Perform experiments on a recently developed ex vivo chick wing tissue explant system.
- Carry out RNA/ATAC sequencing experiments and data analysis.
- Analyse and accurately record data to aid the design of future research and produce useful findings for other academics, funders, policy makers and practitioners.
- Plan and prepare several months in advance for experiments, publications, and conference presentations.
- Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research Group, e.g., reports, data summaries, manuscripts, and grant applications.
- Mentor and support PhD students or research technicians where appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with health, safety, ethical, and regulatory requirements in the laboratory.
- Carry out administrative roles or other relevant duties commensurate with the grade, required by the Head of the Research Group.
- Take responsibility for professional development and keeping up to date with advances in developmental biology and experimental/embryological techniques.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
The role offers excellent opportunities for independent research, student supervision, and international collaboration. The University of Sheffield provides outstanding facilities and a collaborative research environment within one of the UK’s leading developmental biology research clusters, with access to advanced imaging platforms and embryology facilities.
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: PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level experience) in areas related to developmental biology.
- Essential: Experience in embryological techniques.
- Essential: Good theoretical knowledge of developmental biology.
- Essential: Experience in HCR in situ hybridisation, immunostaining/imaging techniques and confocal and/or light‑sheet microscopy.
- Desirable: Experience in RNA‑sequencing/ATAC sequencing and bioinformatics.
- Essential: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.
- Essential: Experience mentoring or training students and/or technical staff.
- Essential: Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience.
- Essential: Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
- Essential: Strong (or pending) publications in the field of developmental biology.
Further Information
- Grade: 7
- Salary: £39,906 – £43,482 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full‑time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: Fixed‑term from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2029
- Line manager: Reader of Developmental Biology
- Direct reports: None
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the advertised closing date. This will consist of an online interview, presentation from candidates to the selection panel. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk.
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 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.
- 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.
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.
Closing Date: 25/02/2026
Research Associate in Developmental Biology in Sheffield 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 Associate in Developmental Biology in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the developmental biology field, attend relevant seminars, and engage with researchers at conferences. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the University of Sheffield and Dr Matt Towers' work thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills in embryology and microscopy can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During interviews or networking events, share your enthusiasm for developmental biology and any innovative ideas you have for research. Let them see your creativity and ambition!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the University of Sheffield team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Developmental Biology in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your PhD and any relevant experience in developmental biology. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in embryology and microscopy techniques!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and person specification carefully. We love it when applicants tailor their application to match our criteria, so make sure you reference those essential skills and experiences in your statement.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our fantastic benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the project you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with the latest research in developmental biology, especially related to chick limb development and the techniques mentioned in the job description. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical experience in embryology and microscopy techniques. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with HCR in situ hybridisation or RNA sequencing. Think of specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills and problem-solving abilities in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key for this role, practice articulating your research clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you've mentored students or collaborated with colleagues in the past. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the research group, the project, or the university's vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Questions about future collaborations or the direction of the research can spark engaging conversations.
