Overview
The University of Sheffield is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the laboratory of Professor Ivana Barbaric. The MRC‑funded role investigates the intersection of mitochondrial genetics and human embryogenesis in collaboration with Professor Tristan Rodriguez’s group at Imperial College London. The successful candidate will explore how mitochondrial DNA mutations influence cellular signalling pathways and tissue patterning during the earliest stages of human development, contributing to fundamental discovery science with implications for mitochondrial diseases and regenerative medicine.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Conduct independent research of international standing in the stated remit, identifying and updating literature, and assessing its relevance to your own work.
* Define new research objectives as experiments progress and initiate and implement a relevant research programme.
* Disseminate research findings through publication in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at national/international conferences or seminars.
* Manage time, materials, finances and equipment efficiently.
* Provide support to the Principal Investigator for research proposals and funding applications.
* Supervise or co‑supervise undergraduate, postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.
* Delegate and monitor the work of research students.
* Deal with reactive requests relating to the supervision of research staff and students.
* Participate in consortium meetings and seminars, especially with collaborators.
* Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaborative meetings and conferences.
* Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the university sustainability strategy into your working activities.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Essential Qualifications
* PhD (or close to completion) in cell/developmental biology, mitochondrial genetics or a related field.
* Specialist research experience (at least one) in: (i) culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); or (ii) mitochondrial biology (e.g. mtDNA mutations, metabolic profiling).
* Experience in qPCR and immunostaining/imaging techniques.
* Experience in flow cytometry.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a proven record of delivering presentations.
* Excellent record‑keeping and data‑management skills with appropriate IT experience.
* Analytical and problem‑solving ability, with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
* Resource assessment and organisation skills, capable of planning and progressing work activities.
* Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research related to current projects.
* Flexibility to work according to experimental demands and equipment availability.
Desirable Qualifications
* Experience in multi‑omics approaches (e.g., single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, or metabolomics).
Other Information
Salary: £38,784 – £39,906 per annum (Grade 7).
Job type: Full‑time (100 % FTE).
Duration: Fixed‑term, available immediately with an end date of 28 February 2029.
Line manager: Professor of Stem Cell Biology.
Reports to: None.
Closing date: 26 May 2026.
Benefits
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase additional days.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Retail discounts and rewards.
* Staff network participation – e.g. Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, Parents’ networks.
* Recognition awards and family‑friendly policies (paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, menopause support, fertility treatment support).
Our diverse community recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds and beliefs of all staff and students. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly, your contribution is valuable – please apply.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
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