Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the iSTAT (Investigating Safety and Toxicity of Advanced Therapies) programme—a major MRC Prosperity Partnership aimed at revolutionising how we detect and mitigate genetic risks in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
This role offers a unique blend of working within the world‑leading stem cell environment at the University of Sheffield while collaborating directly with Professor Matthias Lutolf and his team at Roche's Institute of Human Biology (Basel, Switzerland).
The Project: iSTAT
Genetic instability remains a critical bottleneck in the clinical translation of hPSC therapies. The iSTAT project addresses this by developing state‑of‑the‑art 3D organoid‑based tumourigenicity assays and in‑process monitoring tools. Your work will sit at the intersection of bio‑engineering, genomics, and advanced manufacturing, contributing directly to international regulatory standards for cell‑therapy safety.
Qualifications and Experience (Person Specification)
* Essential: PhD (or close to completion) in stem cells/developmental biology, bioengineering, or related field.
* Essential: Specialist research experience in culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) or 3D/Organoid models.
* Essential: Experience in qPCR and immunostaining/imaging techniques.
* Desirable: Experience in flow cytometry.
* Desirable: Experience in multi‑omics approaches (e.g., single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, metabolomics).
* Essential: Effective communication skills, report writing, and presentation skills.
* Essential: Excellent record‑keeping and data‑management skills, with appropriate IT experience.
* Essential: Ability to analyse and solve problems with appreciation of longer‑term implications.
* Essential: Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
* Essential: Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research associated with current projects.
* Essential: Ability to work flexibly according to biological demands of the experimental system and availability of equipment.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Conduct personal research of international standing into the remit for the study, identifying literature, updating knowledge, and assessing its validity and contribution to the field.
* Determine novel research objectives as experiments progress and initiate and implement relevant programmes of research.
* Disseminate research findings through publication in high‑quality journals and presentations at national/international conferences or seminars.
* Efficiently manage time, materials, finance and equipment.
* Provide support to the PI 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.
* Respond to reactive requests relating to 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 collaboration meetings and conferences.
* As a member of staff, be encouraged to make ethical decisions and embed the University sustainability strategy into your working activities.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Further Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,784 - £42,254 per annum
* Work arrangement: Full‑time (100% FTE)
* Duration: Fixed‑term, available immediately for a period of 36 months
* Line manager: Professor of Stem Cell Biology
* Direct reports: None
* Contact: For enquiries, contact Professor Ivana Barbaric (Professor of Stem Cell Biology) at i.barbaric@sheffield.ac.uk
Benefits
Benefits include:
* Minimum of 41 days annual leave, including bank holidays and closure days (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* Variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* Range of family‑friendly policies including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support in the workplace, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.
Closing Date
12/06/2026
Disability Confidence
We are a Disability Confident Leader. 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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