Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate to join a multi-disciplinary research team at the University of Sheffield. This position is part of a high-impact, international collaboration aimed at developing a pan-viral prophylactic therapy against respiratory viral infections.
This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project.
Traditional vaccines often struggle to keep pace with evolving viral variants. This project takes a novel approach by focusing on priming broader antiviral immunity. We aim to understand and program innate immunity within the nasal epithelium to develop a more durable and broad-spectrum intervention against infection and transmission.
As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for generating cellular models of the human upper respiratory tract, conducting viral infection studies and performing cellular characterisation using single-cell multiomic assays. Once identified, target cell states will be engineered using cutting edge methods, followed by evaluation of anti-viral efficacy.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cell biology, virology, immunology and advanced single cell genomics. You will work within a supportive, world-class research environment, collaborating closely with partners in the USA and the Netherlands to translate fundamental biological insights into potential new therapeutics.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Design and conduct laboratory experiments to achieve the projects aims. This will include establishing Air-Liquid Interface respiratory cultures using primary human nasal epithelial cells; controlled viral infection studies with Influenza virus, RSV, Rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2; and single-cell multiomic assays (scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq).
- Work collaboratively with local and international team members to ensure alignment of experimental workflows and the timely achievement of technical milestones. This will include travelling to laboratories in the USA and The Netherlands.
- Prepare high-quality data for technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Proactively keep up to date with emerging trends in mucosal immunology, virology, and single-cell technologies.
- Assist in the data-to-day running of the laboratory, including supporting compliance with Health & Safety regulations, COSHH, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Carry out any 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.
Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in virology, immunology or equivalent field.
Extensive experience of viral culture and quantification
Application and interview
Extensive experience of cell culture
Application and interview
Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment, and to complete tasks independently and to a high standard.
Application and interview
Demonstrate ability and experience in the design and interpretation of laboratory experiments.
Application and interview
Ability to adhere to research protocols, maintain study deadlines and
keep meticulous records of experiments undertaken.
Application and interview
Excellent academic track record including evidence of publications, prizes, and/or presentations at national/international conferences.
Application and interview
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.
Application and interview
Track record of supervising PhD, MSc, or undergraduate students
Application and interview
Ability to work constructively and effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Application and interview
Experience of single cell sequencing assays
Application and interview
Experience of flow cytometry
Application and interview
Evidence of analysing next generation sequencing data
Application and interview
Further Information
01 August 2026 for 48 months
https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/cirg
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Hannah Brown and Dr Nikki Smith, Project Managers on
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June 2026. This will consist of a presentation and an interview. 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
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.
