Overview
We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the NEOPATH research group within the Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield. This is an exciting opportunity, funded by Fanconi Hope, to work at the intersection of spatial biology, mechanobiology and computational oncology contributing to cutting‑edge research in predicting disease progression and therapeutic response in genetic cancer predisposition syndromes (i.e. Fanconi Anaemia) and associated malignancies.
Led by Dr Hanya Mahmood, Professors Daniel Lambert and Ali Khurram, this multidisciplinary project focuses on modelling tumour evolution by integrating multimodal spatial omics and biophysical profiling with advanced AI‑driven analysis.
You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, molecular biologists, and pathologists to generate and analyse experimental training datasets that uncover novel biomarkers, predict treatment resistance, and inform precision medicine strategies for patients with high‑risk cancer predisposition syndromes including Fanconi Anaemia. The role requires unique competencies in advanced wet‑lab experimentation, specifically high‑plex in situ profiling, bio‑informatics and computational framework development. This offers a rare opportunity for an individual with a background in molecular or cell biology who is also highly skilled in 3D tumour modelling, and the application of computational bio‑image analysis.
You’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive, and forward‑thinking research environment committed to making real clinical impact through innovation in cancer diagnostics and personalised medicine.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Generate, process, and analyse multimodal datasets including multiplex imaging, spatial transcriptomics, integrating findings from laboratory work with computational outputs.
* Manage and maintain laboratory equipment, digital pathology tools, software environments, and data systems essential for experimental and computational workflows.
* Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the NEOPATH research group, engaging with co‑investigators and funders to meet project milestones and contributing to overall project planning and delivery including scheduling of detailed programmes of work and resource requirements within each stage of the project.
* Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activity, including wet‑lab protocols, data acquisition processes, and bio‑informatics pipelines.
* Adhere to Health & Safety policies, including CoSHH regulations and SOPs.
* Liaise regularly with the principal investigator and project supervisors, contributing to team meetings and strategic discussions.
* Contribute to the wider research group supporting students and other postdoctoral researchers.
* Prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, patient‑centred meetings, funders, collaborators, and external audiences such as conferences.
* Undertake literature reviews to ensure the project is informed by the latest developments.
* Contribute to manuscript preparation, technical reports, and funding applications.
* Support responsible research conduct and sustainability practices.
* Carry out other duties as required, commensurate with the scope and grade 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 are respected. Even if your experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Essential Criteria
* PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or computational pathology.
* Undergraduate degree in a relevant biological, biomedical, or computational discipline.
* Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g. publications, presentations).
* Demonstrated experience in tissue culture and/or molecular and/or cellular biology techniques (e.g. RNA/protein extraction, tissue processing, multiplex imaging analysis).
* Experience in computational analysis of biological data (e.g., transcriptomics, spatial omics, image analysis).
* Proficiency in R or Python for the development of predictive models incorporating spatial and biophysical variables.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong team‑working and time‑management skills.
* Demonstrated experience with spatial transcriptomics and multiplex platforms (e.g. Visium, Xenium, Cell Dive).
* Familiarity with digital pathology, bio‑image, bio‑informatics analysis platforms (e.g. QuPath, HALO, CellProfiler).
* Experience of engagement with stakeholders (e.g. PPIE, clinicians, charities).
Desirable Criteria
* Ability to integrate experimental and computational data.
* Familiarity with translational cancer research.
Additional Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,784 – £39,906
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Duration: 1 June 2026 for 24 months
* Line manager: Principal Investigator
What We Offer
* A minimum of 41 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 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
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.
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