Job Description
Job Title: Research Assistant
Posting Start Date: 25/09/2025
Job Id: 1599
School/Department: School of Medicine & Population Health
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): 32, ,636.00
Closing Date: 08/10/2025
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.
Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher to join the group of Dr Tatyana Shelkovnikova at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, UK.
You will play a key role in the biology support on a translational project funded by My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and aimed at identifying new small molecules targeting a disease-relevant RNA. The candidate will work alongside a team of chemists on iterative cycles of new compound testing in a variety of in vitro and cellular assays.
You will be expected, with guidance from the PI, to perform assay development and analysis of compound activity, compile and present results for team meetings and grant reports, present data at lab meetings and contribute to other activities in the group as needed (e.g. supervision of student projects).
The post is fixed-term for 18 months and is available from October 2025.
Please direct any enquiries to Dr Tatyana Shelkovnikova )
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 at and join us to become part of something special.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Undertake research activities in line with project requirements.
* Perform assay development and analysis of compound activity, using a variety of assays.
* Record, interpret and collate data, supporting the overall delivery of the project.
* Present findings at the lab and team meetings and if required, external events.
* Keep up to date with relevant literature.
* Work independently and as part of a team to deliver the research aims.
* Contribute to supervision of PhD and MSc students working in the group.
* 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
Master's degree, or equivalent experience, in a biology discipline (Cell biology, Neuroscience, etc)
Essential
Application
Proven track record of delivering high-quality research in a relevant area (e.g. publications, presentations, etc)
Essential
Application/Interview
Knowledge of cell biology, including human neuronal biology
Essential
Application/Interview
Significant experience with human cell culture including neurons
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience in RNA biology research
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience with cellular assay development
Essential
Application/Interview
Evidence of efficient teamwork
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience presenting research at meetings/conferences
Essential
Application/Interview
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to support dissemination of research findings
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience in small molecule drug discovery
Desirable
Application/Interview
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
£32,080 to £36,636
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
Available from 1 October for 18 months
Line manager
Senior Research Fellow
Direct reports
None
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Tatyana Shelkovnikova:
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within one month of the post closing. This will consist of an interview, including short presentation from each candidate. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: ().
What we offer
* A minimum of 41days 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
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 : 08/10/2025
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 ) 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.