Research Associate in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) - Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious Research Associate to join the laboratories of Dr Matt Livesey, Prof Dame Pam Shaw, and Profs Mead, Hautbergue, and Mortiboys at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), supporting research into the cellular mechanisms underlying Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). SITraN is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research into neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic development.

Funded to support an FA research programme, the successful candidate will play a key role in developing and delivering research investigating disease mechanisms and the effects of novel therapeutic compounds using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models. The post holder will be responsible for planning and undertaking experimental studies, generating, analyzing and interpreting data, and contributing to the development of new approaches to understand FA pathophysiology and therapeutic responses.

The role will primarily involve the generation, characterisation, and experimental use of human iPSC-derived neuronal models. Experimental approaches will include iPSC culture and differentiation, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, and RNA sequencing. The post holder will develop and optimize protocols, troubleshoot technical challenges, and integrate cellular, electrophysiological, and molecular datasets.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for planning, conducting, and interpreting a programme of experimental research investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying Friedreich’s ataxia and the effects of potential therapeutic compounds.
• Design and undertake experiments using human iPSC-derived neuronal models, including the maintenance, expansion, and differentiation of iPSC cultures into relevant neuronal cell types.
• Develop, optimize, and validate experimental protocols and methodologies to address specific research questions, identifying and resolving technical challenges where appropriate.
• Apply a range of experimental approaches, which may include immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, RNA extraction and analysis, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, and RNA sequencing.
• Undertake quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental datasets, integrating cellular, electrophysiological, and molecular findings to address research hypotheses.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive experimental records, research data, and sample inventories, ensuring that all work is conducted to appropriate standards of scientific rigour and reproducibility.
• Contribute to the development of new experimental approaches and research directions within the FA programme, working collaboratively with Dr Matt Livesey, supervisors, technical staff, and the wider laboratory.
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of defined research objectives and contribute to project planning, prioritization, and the achievement of agreed milestones.
• Prepare research findings for presentation at laboratory meetings, conferences, and other scientific meetings, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and research outputs.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and funding applications where appropriate, supporting the development of future research activities within the programme.
• Work collaboratively across the wider SITraN research environment and contribute specialist technical and scientific knowledge to the research team.
• Provide appropriate guidance and practical support to students and less experienced researchers in relevant experimental techniques, where required.
• Maintain a high standard of laboratory practice, including appropriate management of reagents, equipment, cell culture facilities, and research materials.
• Ensure that all research is conducted in accordance with University policies, relevant ethical approvals, and health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to the dissemination and impact of research findings through publications and presentations.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.