Overview
We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the research group led by Dr Anestis Tsakiridis. The successful applicant will provide support for routine human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) culture and differentiation, preparation of samples and analysis. General lab management duties will also be required. This work is part of an MRC DPFS-funded project aiming to develop a cell therapy to treat Hirschsprung disease.
Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology and experience with the following techniques: cell (ideally hPSC) culture, RNA isolation; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; flow cytometry. Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software and excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines are also essential.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out routine culture, differentiation and harvesting of various hPSC cell lines.
- Analysis of harvested samples e.g. by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and qPCR.
- Assist in the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Provide assistance to other members of the laboratory when required.
- Accurately record results, providing analysis and presenting findings to colleagues.
- Carry out lab management tasks e.g. stock maintenance, reagent purchasing etc.
- Be involved with the development and testing of new techniques/approaches, including the monitoring and maintenance of equipment and systems for use by staff and students.
- Contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication in international journals.
- Contribute to the group’s wider dissemination of research through outreach and public engagement activities.
- Prioritise own work within a general schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist the PI and other staff in planning future work, including coordinating arrangements and delegating tasks to others.
- Analyse and problem solve to understand and interpret information and make recommendations, e.g., skills for analysing data and reports, diagnosing, and troubleshooting technical equipment.
- Attend all required safety and training courses, comply with required safety, licensing, and technical regulations, and assist the PI in ensuring the lab is also compliant.
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.
BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline such as Stem Cell/Developmental Biology
Experience with the following techniques: cell (ideally hPSC) culture, RNA isolation; quantitative real time PCR; immunostaining; fluorescence/confocal microscopy; flow cytometry
Strong IT skills and knowledge including experience with a range of laboratory software
Effective written and verbal communication skills: report writing, delivering presentations, developing relationships and working successfully with collaborators and partners
Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and adapt own skills to new circumstances
Experience in qPCR, immunostaining, flow cytometry and fluorescence/confocal microscopy techniques
Experience in lab management
Further Information
£32,080 - £33,002 per annum
Full-time (35 hours per week)
Fixed-term for 36 months from 1 January 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Senior Lecturer (Principal investigator)
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
School of Biosciences and Tsakiridis Lab
For informal enquiries about this job contact: Anestis Tsakiridis (Senior Lecturer / Principal investigator) at
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks after the closing date. following interview of shortlisted candidates. This will consist of a short research presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of 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 38 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
- 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.
