Research Associate in Cancer Biology in Sheffield

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield. This three‑year project, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, focuses on developing a groundbreaking targeted therapy to prevent breast cancer bone metastasis. You will build upon significant data from the Gartland Group which demonstrates the critical role of the P2X7 receptor in bone cancers. In this role, you will apply a diverse range of cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Your work will involve utilizing in vitro co‑culture models of breast cancer alongside our specialized in‑house in‑vivo and ex‑vivo models of breast cancer and bone disease. To uncover the role of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles in the metastasis cascade, you will perform genome‑wide transcriptomic analyses and proteomic profiling. You will also use advanced tools like CRISPR‑Cas9 and flow cytometry to drive the project’s success. As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate closely with the principal investigator, co‑investigators, and technical colleagues to deliver high‑impact results. Beyond the laboratory, this position offers excellent professional development opportunities. You will help mentor PhD and MSc students in essential laboratory methods and take the lead on writing abstracts, presenting at international scientific conferences, and preparing manuscripts for publication. This is a unique opportunity to use your expertise in cancer biology to make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes within a world‑class research environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Execution: Design and perform experiments as required to achieve the project’s work package aims. This includes utilising the following techniques: breast cancer/bone/endothelial/lung cell co‑culture models, in normoxic and hypoxic conditions, EV isolation and characterisation, phenotypic cell characterisation (cell proliferation, migration, and other cell‑specific assays), assessing cell dormancy using DiD+ labelling coupled with immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, utilising CRISPR‑Cas9 to generate KO cells, in‑house in‑vivo/ex‑vivo models of breast cancer metastasis and bone disease, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and routine histology, and using genome‑wide transcriptomic analyses, proteomics and other advanced technologies to identify changes in the primary tumour microenvironment vascularisation and immune cell infiltration, and eventually metastasis.
• Data Analysis and Management: Process and interpret complex datasets, maintain data in accordance with the data management plan, adhering to the University’s Good Research and Innovation Practices (GRIP) policy.
• Project Management: Manage the work strictly to meet the project’s milestones, including regular reporting to the funders.
• Documentation: Maintain rigorous and detailed records of wet‑lab protocols, results and analysis.
• Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team as well as clinical colleagues contributing to strategic discussions on clinical translation.
• Supervision: Teach PhD and MSc students laboratory techniques as required.
• Dissemination: Write abstracts to present findings at national and international research conferences, write up data for peer review publication, interact with Yorkshire Cancer Research to disseminate results to patient and public groups.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all health & safety policies, including CoSHH regulations and specific SOPs for handling human biological samples. 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.

Essential Criteria

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g., publications, presentations).
• Demonstrated experience in tissue culture, molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience in molecular profiling techniques in cancer (e.g., mass spectrometry, RNAseq, qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong teamworking and time‑management and project management skills.
• Have utilised in‑vivo models for cancer studies.

Desirable Criteria

• Expertise in EV isolation and characterisation.
• Experience in computational analysis of biological data/bioinformatics.

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Duration: 3 years available from 1st June 2026
• Line manager: Principal Investigator
• Direct reports: n/a

Recruitment Process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take 2 weeks after close of the application submission deadline. This will consist of an interview with a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks after close of the application process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team.

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.