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Job Title: Research Associate
Posting Start Date: 18/06/2026
Job Id: 2760
School/Department: School of Clinical Dentistry
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £38,784 - ££39,906
Closing Date: 02/07/2026
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Overview
We seek a Research Associate (PDRA) to join our team for 5 months to contribute to the project: Assessing the periodontal regeneration potential of mucoadhesive 2dDR containing oral ulcer gel containing antimicrobials
This opportunity falls within an ongoing collaboration between the University of Sheffield, COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus (Pakistan), and the company Cannenta (Australia). Cannenta are an advanced wound care company seeking to develop novel therapies and they are funding this project. Under the direction of Dr Muhammad Yar, colleagues at COMSATS University have developed oral gels for ulcer treatment. This project will validate new formulations of the gels for the treatment of periodontitis.
Specifically, you will contribute to the project by:
Identifying effective concentrations of additives in the gels
Investigate antimicrobial properties of the gel formulations
Measure effects of the gels on mammalian cells in terms of cytotoxicity, cell growth and proliferation, angiogenesis and wound healing
This work will involve a range of techniques including cell culture, microscopy, and microbiology. A successful candidate will be experienced in these techniques and will pro-actively propose and test other approaches and tools which may be informative for the research aims. A background in antimicrobial testing of gels/pastes alongside effects on mammalian cells such as cytotoxicity assays is desirable. The successful candidate will have demonstrated capacity for carrying independent research including provision of technical reports, scientific outputs and efficient data presenting and sharing with the extended team and funders.
Main duties and responsibilities
Contribute to the choice of formulations which will be used in the gels
Conduct experiments to characterise the antimicrobial properties of the gels on bacterial species commonly associated with periodontitis
Conduct experiments to determine the effects of the gels on mammalian oral cells and aortic endothelial cells. This may include techniques such as metabolic assays, scratch assays, proliferation and migration studies, and fluorescence microscopy.
Conduct data processing, analysis, and interpretation in collaboration with research partners and ensure prompt interactions within the team to advance the project.
Participate in regular meetings with the team, presenting latest results and acquiring background information required for data interpretation and the planning of future steps.
Contribute to scientific outcomes (conference presentations, scientific articles) of the grant.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification (aim for 8-10 criteria - max 12. Use a max of 2 desirable criteria if needed.)
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 related discipline (e.g., biomaterials)
Essential
Application/interview
Demonstrated ability to write and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
Desirable
Application
Communication skills; Ability to present findings at meetings with funders and wider team
Essential
Application/interview
Excellent record keeping
Essential
Application/interview
Technical skills in microbiology and/or cell culture
Essential
Application/interview
Experience in writing or contributing to funding/grant applications.
Desirable
Application/interview
Strong teamworking and time-management skills
Essential
Application/Interview
Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g. publications, presentations)
Essential
Application
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £39,906
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
1 July 2026-31 December 2026
Line manager
Academic Line Manager
Our website
https://sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Joey Shepherd, Senior Lecturer: on
[email protected]
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on within 2 weeks of the closing date. This will consist of a short presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days 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
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.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page: - sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
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