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 (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Research Technician: in vivo colony management for oral stem cell biology research
Department/School: School of Clinical Dentistry
Contract type: Fixed term, Part time 0.5 FTE (17.5 hours) 30/03/2026-28/03/2030
Advertising length (weeks): 2
Overview
Are you interested in supporting high-quality in vivo research at the forefront of stem cell biology and tissue regeneration? We are seeking a Research Technician to support a BBSRC-funded research programme in oral stem cell biology within the School of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield.
This role will support a four-year project led by Dr Vitor Neves that investigates how stem and vascular cell populations behave in vivo during tissue homeostasis and periodontal disease. Using genetically modified rodent models, the project aims to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern tissue repair versus pathological remodelling. The research has strong translational relevance to chronic infectious-inflammatory disease and regenerative medicine.
The primary focus of this role is to support the in vivo component of the project through the establishment, breeding, expansion, genotyping, and maintenance of genetically modified rodent colonies. The post holder will work closely with the project lead, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff to ensure the smooth running of animal-based experiments of the grant. The Research Technician will be fully trained to deliver periodontal disease induction models used in the project and will contribute directly to experimental workflows in accordance with approved protocols and Home Office regulations.
In addition, the post holder will receive training in tissue processing and histological techniques for oral and systemic organs, enabling them to support downstream experimental analyses and assist in delivering the scientific aims of the project. This role therefore provides broad exposure to in vivo research, tissue-based analysis, and translational stem cell biology within a supportive laboratory environment.
You will join a collaborative and inclusive research group embedded within a multidisciplinary team of biologists, clinicians, and technical specialists. This position offers valuable hands-on experience in animal colony management, experimental disease models, and laboratory techniques, and is well suited to candidates seeking to develop practical expertise in preclinical biomedical research.
We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience or training in biological or biomedical sciences who are organised, motivated, and keen to contribute to high-quality in vivo research with real potential to improve understanding and treatment of periodontal disease.
Appointment to the post will be subject to a security check, which will be carried out for the preferred candidate.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
Establish, breed, expand, genotype, and maintain genetically modified rodent colonies required for the project, ensuring accurate and up-to-date animal records are maintained in accordance with institutional and Home Office requirements.
Take responsibility for maintaining all associated administrative and regulatory documentation related to animal research, including licence records, ensuring compliance with university policies and Home Office regulations.
Support the collection, processing, and histology of oral and systemic tissues following experimental procedures, to assist downstream experimental analyses.
Work independently and collaboratively within the Neves Lab and wider research team to deliver project milestones.
Contribute to manuscript preparation, prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, collaborators, and external audiences.
Adhere to Health & Safety policies and contribute to a safe and effective laboratory environment.
Liaise regularly with the principal investigator and contribute to project planning and team meetings.
Undertake 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential or desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
PhD, master's or equivalent professional experience in a relevant area such as biological sciences, biomedical sciences, animal science, or a related discipline.
Essential
Application
Undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area, including biological sciences, biomedical sciences, animal science, or a related discipline.
Desirable
Application
Demonstrated experience or strong interest in evaluating in vivo stem cell biology and tissue regeneration workflows, including colony management, routine handling, husbandry, and in vivo procedures.
Essential
Application/Interview
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and compliant animal, experimental, and regulatory records, with responsibility for associated administrative documentation, and a sound understanding of Home Office regulations and University policies governing animal research.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience of tissue collection and processing in a biomedical research setting, including histological techniques, or a demonstrated ability and willingness to be trained in these methods.
Essential
Application/Interview
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarise, present and explain findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including industrial partners.
Essential
Application/Interview
Strong teamworking and time-management skills
Essential
Application/Interview
Further Information
Grade
6
Salary
/strong>32,080 -
/strong>33,951 (per annum, Pro rata)
Work arrangement
Part-time, 0.5FTE
Duration
48 months
Line manager
Technical Manager
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Vitor Neves )
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 4 weeks of the application submission date. This will consist of an interview and presentation, the title of which will be provided to all shortlisted candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the close of the application process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact who will be able to assist..
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: (opens in new window).
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 commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
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
More details can be found on our benefits page: (opens in a new window).
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 : 04/03/2026
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.