Job Description
Job Title: Research Associate in C9orf72 ALS metabolic dysfunction
Posting Start Date: 09/09/2025
Job Id: 1566
School/Department: School of Medicine & Population Health
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £38,784.00
Closing Date: 22/09/2025
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
A hexanucleotide expansion mutation in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). There are three proposed mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration downstream of C9orf72 repeat expansion; 1-haploinsufficiency, 2-formation of RNA-foci and 3-accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) translated from the expansion via RAN-translation. Previous studies from the Allen Laboratory have shown that pyruvate metabolism is altered in C9orf72-patient derived iAstrocytes leading to reduced metabolic capacity. Furthermore, continuing work from the Allen and West Laboratories has uncovered an altered metabolic response to hypoxia in C9orf72 patient derived models and in Drosophila Melanogaster C9orf72 DPR models of ALS. However, the mechanisms involved are unclear.
The project is based in the labs of Dr Scott Allen and Dr Ryan West at the Sheffield institute for translational neuroscience (SITraN), an award winning centre of excellence for the study of neurodegenerative diseases and drug-discovery. The successful applicant will use cutting edge metabolic and hypoxic approaches to explore how the C9orf72 repeat expansion alters pyruvate metabolism in normoxia and hypoxia using a combination of C9orf72 patient-derived iNPC models and Drosophila models. Mechanistic understanding will drive small molecule/genetic manipulation to correct the alterations and assess the downstream effect on ALS pathogenic pathways in vitro and in vivo.
We will support researchers with career development in line with the research development concordat and will support those keen on applying for career development fellowships. Candidates are encouraged to contact Scott ) and Ryan ) to discuss the project prior to application.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Undertake research in line with project requirements.
* Manage data collection, analysis and storage on a day-to-day basis.
* Work independently and as part of a team to deliver the research objectives in line with the project outline
* Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the study.
* Take a lead role in the analysis, interpretation and writing up of data
* Read and review literature as appropriate.
* Assist in the writing of the project reports and publications.
* Contribute to conference presentations, research advisory group meetings
* Attend and contribute to project/lab meetings and research advisory group meetings.
* Support project reporting requirements, including research project progress reports and finance management and reporting
* Work with and support other members of the team, including in the supervision and support of PhD students and MSc students working in the lab
* Engage in the Readable Research Lay Summary Scheme as a writer/reviewer
* 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 past 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
A PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology or a replated discipline (applicants near completion of their PhD are welcome to apply)
Essential
Application
Experience working with iNPC/iPSC astrocyte models
Essential
Interview and/or Application
Experience working on metabolism and/or hypoxia
Essential
Interview and/or Application
Experience working with Drosophila models
Desirable
Interview and/or Application
Experience of delivering high quality research
Essential
Interview and/or Application
Ability to work effectively within a team and independently
Essential
Interview and/or Application
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving
Desirable
Interview and/or Application
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the University and externally, with researchers, clinicians and members of the public involved in the studies.
Essential
Interview and/or Application
Display enthusiasm, motivation and a passion for the research proposal
Essential
Interview and/or Application
Further Information
Grade
7.3
Salary
£38,784
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
1/11/25-31/10/28
Line manager
Scott Allen
Direct reports
Ryan West
Our website
Dr Scott Allen and Dr Ryan West
Dr Scott Allen, [Principal Investigator]: on and Dr Ryan West, [Co-principal Investigator] on
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in person circa the 8th October This will consist of 60-90 minute interview with presentation and some pre-prepared questions. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 22nd September. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Scott Allen at
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 / Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
* 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 : 22/09/2025
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.