Job Description
Job Title: Research Associate (Biophysics)
Posting Start Date: 19/02/2026
Job Id: 2203
School/Department: Biosciences
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £38,784 - £41,064
Closing Date: 19/03/2026
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
Dividing cells must faithfully segregate meters of DNA, and failures to do so result in DNA damage, contributing to disease. DNA entanglements pose a challenge to dividing cells; hence a range of enzymes are employed to package and resolve entangled DNA. In this post-doctoral project, you will combine molecular simulation with single-molecular data to determine structural changes in entangled DNA and consequences for processing. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team employing cell biology and protein biochemistry approaches to understand the molecular mechanism underlying chromosome resolution.
Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in relevant subject. Experience in either molecular simulations or single-molecule techniques is also essential. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop and acquire new skills during their time in the role.
The University of Sheffield has state of the art facilities and equipment required for this project, including a confocal optical tweezer system housed in the Henry Royce Institute, an ever-expanding biophysics suite in the School of Bioscience, multi-user GPU clusters and access to national computational resources. The wider University community includes special interest groups including the Nucleic Acids Institute and the centre for Single Molecule Biology at Sheffield, which additional experience, network and support.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Perform molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations.
* Collect and analyse single-molecule optical tweezer data.
* Contribute to lab organisation such as ordering, cleaning, training and supervision.
* Perform critically analysis of data and experimental design.
* Present results in the form of publications, figures and presentations.
* Provide support to other members of the research team in the same laboratory in a related field of research.
* Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
* Create and maintain appropriate records of all work carried out.
* Attend and contribute towards project meetings and research advisory group meetings.
* 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 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
PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in relevant subject.
Essential
Application
Experience in either molecular simulations or single-molecule techniques.
Essential
Application
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.
Essential
Application/interview
Able to work in a team with diverse backgrounds.
Essential
Interview
Able to work independently.
Essential
Interview
Demonstrable ability to solve problems and learn new skills.
Essential
Interview
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work.
Essential
Interview
Experience in computational analysis/coding.
Desirable
Interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £41,064 per annum
Work arrangement
Full-time (100% FTE)
Duration
Fixed term from 1 June 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of 4.5 years (54 months)
Line manager
Early Career Research Fellow (PI / Group Leader)
Direct reports
To be confirmed
Our website
School of Biosciences
Dr Erin Cutts
For informal enquiries about this job contact Erin Cutts, Group leader at:
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. The selection event will involve a presentation on your previous work followed by an interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please 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 : 19/03/2026
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.