Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate to join the laboratory of Professor Ivana Barbaric at the University of Sheffield. This MRC-funded role investigates the intersection of mitochondrial genetics and human embryogenesis, conducted in close collaboration with Professor Tristan Rodriguez's group at Imperial College London. You will explore how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations influence cellular signalling pathways and tissue patterning during the earliest stages of human development, contributing to fundamental discovery science with significant implications for mitochondrial diseases and regenerative medicine.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Conduct personal research of international standing in the specified remit and continuously update and assess relevant literature.
* Determine novel research objectives, develop, initiate, and execute relevant programmes of research.
* Disseminate research findings through high‑quality journal papers and presentations at conferences or seminars.
* Efficiently manage time, materials, finance, and equipment.
* Support the Principal Investigator in research proposals and funding applications.
* Supervise or co‑supervise undergraduate/postgraduate projects and PhD students.
* Delegate and monitor the work of research students.
* Address reactive requests related to the supervision of research staff and students.
* Participate in consortium meetings and seminars with collaborators.
* Plan ahead to meet deadlines for journal publications and conference presentations.
* Make ethical decisions and embed the University sustainability strategy into work activities.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
* PhD (or close to completion) in cell/developmental biology, mitochondrial genetics, or a related field. (Essential)
* Specialist research experience in: 1) culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); 2) mitochondrial biology (e.g., mtDNA mutations, metabolic profiling). (Essential)
* Experience in qPCR and immunostaining/imaging techniques. (Essential)
* Experience in flow cytometry. (Desirable)
* Experience in multi‑omics approaches (e.g., single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, metabolomics). (Desirable)
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, report‑writing experience, and ability to deliver presentations. (Essential)
* Excellent record‑keeping and data‑management skills with appropriate IT experience. (Essential)
* Ability to analyse and solve problems with consideration 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 the biological demands of the experimental system and equipment availability. (Essential)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 – £39,906 per annum
Work arrangement: Full‑time (100% FTE)
Duration: Fixed‑term, available immediately with an end date of 28 February 2029
Line manager: Professor of Stem Cell Biology
Direct reports: None
Informal enquiries: i.barbaric@sheffield.ac.uk
Closing Date: 26/05/2026
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