Overview
Research Associate in Biological Chemistry at The University of Sheffield. Leverhulme Trust-funded project to develop methods for the preparation of DNA containing novel carboxymethylated phosphate triesters. The successful candidate will join the research teams of Dr David Williams (Nucleic Acids Chemistry) and Prof Nick Williams (Mechanistic Organic Chemistry) in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, part of the Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for up to 36 months, starting from October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Base pay range information is provided by the university; your actual pay will be based on skills and experience – speak with the recruiter for details.
Responsibilities
* Design and implement experiments to synthesize nucleotides and oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing specific phosphotriesters.
* Purify and analyze nucleotides and oligodeoxyribonucleotides using methods such as HPLC.
* Day-to-day management of a research group comprising postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students.
* Occasional teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
* Comply with local and legislated safety requirements.
* Contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory by ordering reagents, evaluating equipment, maintaining cleanliness, and coordinating with colleagues on laboratory maintenance issues.
* Prepare figures for papers, grants and other presentations; write progress reports, papers and grant applications; present work at project meetings and international conferences.
* Plan your contributions up to two months ahead, considering resource availability, deadlines, and project milestones.
* Interact effectively with project team members, sharing data and expertise to achieve project objectives.
* Participate in the Researcher Community within Chemical Biology, the School and the Faculty of Science.
* Undertake up to 10 days of professional development activities per year.
* Any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and independent researcher with strong teamwork skills. Essential criteria include:
* A good honours degree in Chemistry.
* Completed or near completion of a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Biological Chemistry.
* Laboratory expertise in synthetic organic chemistry; knowledge of nucleotide or nucleic acid chemistry desirable.
* Experience of purification methods such as HPLC and gel electrophoresis is desirable.
* Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving; effective communication skills (written and verbal) and experience delivering presentations.
* Ability to assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities, and adapt skills to new circumstances.
Next steps / How to apply
Applicants should clearly address the criteria above. The selection process will include application review, references, interviews, and other relevant assessments. The anticipated recruitment process will take place in October/November 2025, including a presentation and interview. Candidates will be informed of progression status within one week after the advert close date. For informal enquiries, contact Dr David Williams at d.m.williams@sheffield.ac.uk. For adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, contact Mrs Louise Brown-Leng at a.l.brown-leng@sheffield.ac.uk.
Benefits
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave (pro rata) including bank holidays with option to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme and discounts on shopping, dining, and travel.
* Various staff networks and development opportunities, including mentoring schemes and family-friendly policies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you meet the essential criteria, you may be invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps; Vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
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