Overview
The Balasubramanian Lab within the Division of Clinical Medicine is seeking a dedicated Research Technician to join a high impact project focused on developing RNA therapy for HNRNPU- related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (HNRNPU-NDD). HNRNPU-NDD is caused by a haploinsufficiency of the HNRNPU gene, leading to a protein deficit that manifests clinically as intellectual disability, significant developmental and speech delays, and early-onset epilepsy. This role centers on utilising human iPSCs-derived neuronal models to screen and validate Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) aimed at restoring normal HNRNPU levels to mitigate disease phenotypes. This role offers you the opportunity to multitask projects and contribute to the maintenance of the Balasubramanian Lab to promote productive and efficient high-quality research. Educated to a Master’s level, you will have the commitment and drive to maintain iPSCs-derived neuronal cultures and carry deep-phenotyping and molecular analysis, requiring essential expertise in advanced cell culture and molecular biology, with a preference for those experienced in silico prediction modeling. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to translatable clinical interventions while refining skills in stem cell technology, data analysis, and project management within a productive, high-quality research environment poised for peer-reviewed publication.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Screening ASOs for HNRNPU in iPSCs-derived neuronal models
- Perform imaging and phenotypic assays and high quality fluorescent imaging to assess ASOs effect on disease phenotypes.
- Perform molecular assays (i.e. qPCR, western blot ) to understand the effect of these ASOs on HNRNPU gene expression.
- Culturing and Maintaining iPSCs-derived cultures .
- Analyse data and present at regular lab meetings.
- Assist with lab maintenance duties.
- Carry out 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.
Post-graduate qualification. Masters, in a relevant subject, e.g. molecular biology
Experience in advanced cell culture models,e.g. Human iPSCs
Experience in molecular biology techniques; such as qPCR and western blotting
Experience in silico predictive modelling
Ability to organise workload and time management to meet deadlines
Experience and willingness to assist with lab support, e.g. stock maintenance, ordering
Ability to multitask and handle several projects at once
Ability to present data, with high quality written and verbal skills
Keep high quality, detailed records of experiments and data
Further Information
£27,319 per annum (pro-rota)
https://thebalasubramanianlab.sheffield.ac.uk
For informal enquiries about this job contact Doaa Taha, Research Associate: on
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 8th of July 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 13th July 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Dr Doaa Taha, Postdoc, Balasubramanian Lab.
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; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- 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.
