Overview
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 about our benefits and join us to become part of something special.
Research Assistant
Do you have a background in molecular biology and an interest in applying your technical skills to real‑world challenges? We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the analysis of samples from drinking water systems, contributing to research that advances understanding of microbial dynamics with direct relevance to managing water quality, infrastructure performance and public health. You will join an applied, interdisciplinary research team working across the EPSRC‑funded “To Chlorinate or not To Chlorinate” and industry‑funded projects exploring biofilm and bulk‑water interactions in operational drinking water assets. The role centres on molecular analysis of biofilms and bulk‑water samples, including DNA extraction, gene quantification and sequencing library preparation, using established protocols for low‑biomass samples.
Alongside generating molecular data, you will undertake initial data processing and quality controls, ensuring accurate quantification, structured metadata capture and integration of outputs into curated project datasets. You will also conduct complementary analyses, including assimilable organic carbon (AOC) quantification and flow cytometry, contributing to multi‑parameter datasets used to interpret microbial behaviour in engineered systems. As part of our research team, there will be opportunities to assist with field‑sampling activities and engage with industry partners, we are keen to ensure breadth beyond day‑to‑day laboratory based work and provide career development opportunities. We consider this position to be well suited to a diligent candidate who enjoys laboratory work, values meticulous data management and is motivated to see how molecular insights can inform engineering and operational decisions.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Planning and undertaking molecular analysis of biofilm and bulk‑water samples, including but not limited to:
o extracting DNA using an established protocol for low‑biomass samples
o gene quantification (qPCR and ddPCR platforms)
o library preparation for sequencing
o perform initial processing, quality control, and organisation of molecular datasets, ensuring accurate quantification and traceable metadata capture
o maintain structured experimental records and integrate laboratory outputs into curated project databases in accordance with agreed protocols
o conduct assimilable organic carbon (AOC) analysis, including calculation of concentrations and structured reporting of results
o undertake flow cytometry analysis and preliminary data processing
o contribute to the logistical organisation of samples for sequencing, with scope for the candidate to engage with downstream bioinformatics using established workflows in R if desired
o support ordering of consumables, maintaining equipment and adherence to health and safety procedures
o participating in research group meetings and collaborative project discussions
o present technical updates to project team members
o supporting sampling activities where required
* 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.
Qualifying Criteria
Essential Criteria
* A Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Environmental Microbiology or a closely related discipline (or 1st/2:1 Undergraduate degree with equivalent laboratory experience)
* Hands‑on experience with molecular techniques (DNA extractions, PCR and/or sequencing library preparation) and culturing
* Experience maintaining accurate laboratory records, managing experimental data, including structured metadata, in a systematic and traceable manner
* Experience handling, organising and processing numerical datasets with competence in basic data analysis (e.g. using R or similar statistical software)
* A careful, methodical approach to laboratory work with strong attention to detail, contamination control and data integrity
* Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
* Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to meet agreed protocols and deadlines
* Clear written and verbal communication skills appropriate for technical reporting and team discussions
* Experience working with environmental or low‑biomass samples (e.g. water, biofilms, soils, or similarly complex matrices)
Desirable Criteria
* Knowledge of flow cytometry
Further Information
Grade: 6
Salary: £32,080 – £36,363 per annum. Potential to progress to £39,906 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution
Work arrangement: Full‑time (flexible options considered)
Duration: 1st May 2026 – 31st Oct 2026
Line manager: Research Fellow in Water Systems Microbiology
Direct reports: None
Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mac
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 20th April. This will consist of an interview and a tour of some of the facilities for those attending in person. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage by week commencing 13th April. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-operations@sheffield.ac.uk
Our Vision and Strategic Plan
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. We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. 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.
What We Offer
* A minimum of 38 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 (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
o paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
o support for those going through the menopause
o paid time off and support for fertility treatment
o and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: https://sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Katherine Fish, k.fish@sheffield.ac.uk
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