Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in molecular biology and neuropathology to join our Motor Neurone Disease (MND)/Neurodegeneration clinical research programme. You will have the chance to be part of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (Translational Neuroscience for Chronic Neurological Disorders) Junior Academy and gain experience across a diverse range of translational neuroscience research programmes.
The focus of the role is the neuropathological characterisation of newly identified genetic drivers of MND, including CCDC146, WDR49 and ZNF839. These drivers were discovered through an approach that combines cell biology, large‑scale genotyping and machine learning. Neuropathology will determine how these genetic drivers relate to pathological hallmarks such as mislocalisation of TDP‑43. The position also involves the use of cutting‑edge medium‑high throughput technologies such as spatial transcriptomics, spatial metabolomics and spatial proteomics.
You will have the opportunity to develop your own research project aligned to the interests of the MND group, for example new machine‑learning models or investigating a particular aspect of MND biology.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Design, develop and refine methodology for characterising new and established neuropathological hallmarks of MND.
* Prepare manuscripts for journals and presentations for national and international conferences, seminars and in‑house meetings to disseminate findings.
* Read academic papers, journals and textbooks, and attend conferences to keep up to date with the field.
* Contribute to research group planning and coordinate progress with other members of the group, including supervising research team activities where required.
* Continuously monitor and evaluate results and adapt daily plans to incorporate new developments.
* Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications, conference presentations and other deliverables.
* Carry out other duties as required, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
We value diversity and believe that a range of backgrounds, skills and ideas strengthens the research group. Even if your past experience does not match every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
Qualifications And Experience
* PhD in Neuropathology or a related speciality (or equivalent experience) – Essential, assessed at application and interview.
* Track record of research productivity in terms of publications and presentations – Essential.
* Experience of teaching undergraduates – Essential.
* Ability to design, plan and execute neuropathology experiments – Essential.
* Experience with the 10x Xenium spatial transcriptomics platform – Desirable.
* Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively – Essential.
Benefits
* Salary: £38,784 – £46,049 per year.
* Grade 7.
* Full‑time, 1 May 2026 – 30 April 2028.
* Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days, pro‑rata) with the option to purchase additional days.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* Staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
* Access to learning and mentoring schemes and integration with Academic Career Pathways.
* Family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
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