Research Technician

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a research technician to join the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) on a translational research project. SITraN is a purpose-built research facility which was opened in November 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen and awarded the Queen’s Anniversary prize for higher education in 2020 in recognition of having made an outstanding positive impact in patients’ lives. The Institute houses clinical and basic scientists researching neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

You will join a dynamic research team under the supervision of Prof Guillaume Hautbergue, Prof Mimoun Azzouz and Prof Dame Pamela Shaw, focusing on evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of a gene inhibition therapy in mouse model of C9orf72-ALS. The successful candidate will have a strong background in neurobiology or advanced therapies and some experience in molecular biology techniques and ideally handling of mice. A passion for neurodegenerative disease research and a track record of research experience in Neuroscience is an advantage. Team spirit and an impeccable work ethic are essential.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Look after mice injected or not with gene therapy vectors and maintain health records
• Tattooing and genotyping
• Prepare mouse tissue for histological analysis
• Perform protein/RNA/DNA extractions, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR and MSD-ELISA assays
• Data analysis
• Undertake technical tasks, including keeping labs clean and tidy and taking care of reagent stocks
• Using, writing and amending Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) forms, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under legal requirements.
• Provide assistance and information to users (e.g., COSHH forms, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) as appropriate to the grade, referring to experienced technical staff and/or line manager as necessary.
• Prioritise own work within a general plan in conjunction with the research group leader to meet deadlines over a medium term of 1-3 months.
• Carry out planning to ensure that periodic goals are met.
• Contribute to team meetings to update on project progress.
• 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.

Essential criteria

• A MSc/BSc in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or advanced therapies (assessed at: application)
• Experience in molecular biology techniques (assessed at: application and interview)
• Experience in immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence microscopy techniques
• Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records (assessed at: application and interview)
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and actively contribute to the future success of the immediate work area (assessed at: application and interview)
• Understanding of the health and safety issues relevant to the area and the ability to instil good health and safety practices within a team (assessed at: application and interview)
• Good organisational and time management skills (assessed at: application and interview)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal (assessed at: application and interview)
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with mice or other in vivo models (assessed at: application and interview)
• Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications (assessed at: application and interview)
  
  

Further Information
Grade: 5

Salary: £26,942 to £30,805

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 8 months

Line manager: Professor of Translational RNA Biology

Direct reports: None

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sitran

For informal enquiries about this job contact

Professor Guillaume Hautbergue on g.hautbergue@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 2252

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within two weeks of the closing date. This will consist of an interview and a presentation with a tour of the building. We plan to let successful candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within one week 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 rebecca.brown@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

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 Technical Career Route
• 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
    

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.