Research Associate

Job description:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an internationally recognised team of research groups in a vibrant and stimulating environment at the University of Sheffield. This is a highly cross disciplinary project, funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery grant between the labs of Jason King, Steve Renshaw, Clare Muir and Hannes Maib. The overarching aim is to understand lipid kinase signalling during phagocytic processing in response to different microbial challenges. In total there will be three separate PDRA positions, split across the different investigators, with this specific position being situated in the Renshaw Lab (https://renshaw.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/), using zebrafish as an in vivo model. You will be expected to work in close collaboration with the other research groups spanning different disciplines and model systems.

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated and passionate individual to join this exciting project that is critical to understanding how phagocytic cells control how they kill different microbes and to uncover core mechanisms of the innate immune response in vivo. You will contribute to fundamentally changing our knowledge of how phagocytes respond to diverse microbial challenges.

You will be responsible for developing and characterising zebrafish models of specialised phagosome maturation within different immune cells and deconvolve the microbial factors involved in the innate response to infection. The candidate should be passionate about immunological research and animal modelling, ideally with a track record of technical skills in these areas. 

Your main responsibilities will be to generate new immune cell specific transgenics and perform in vivo experiments to assess phagosome maturation, lipid accumulation and infection outcome. You will have a PhD in a relevant subject, ideally with previous experience of using zebrafish as a model organism, skills in high-resolution fluorescent microscopy, excellent molecular biology techniques and genetic manipulation techniques (transgenics, CRISPR/Cas9). Bacterial culture skills would be an advantage. Team spirit and a strong work ethic are essential in this diverse team who values teamwork and cohesion. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are expected.

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development. 

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

To find out what makes the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work, watch this short film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LblLk18zmo, and follow @sheffielduni and @UniOfSheffJobs on Twitter for more information.

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