The University of Sheffield
Research Associate - Specialism in Bioinformatics with potential Wetlab experience
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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
Do you have a passion for using bioinformatics to understand immunology, RNA and gene-regulation? We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to join an ambitious and interdisciplinary programme at the University of Sheffield investigating how RNA regulation controls innate immune responses during inflammation and infection.
You will have a PhD in an appropriate subject and a research record in bioinformatics and the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, including RNA-related datasets. The project will generate extensive multi-omics data, creating unique opportunities to integrate diverse data types and make transformative biological discoveries.
While computationally focused, this position is suited to someone with the ability and motivation to perform experimental tasks and the strongest candidates will have experience in conducting high-throughput RNA focused experiments as well as analysing the results of them.
You will form part of a team that will combine primary human immune cell (neutrophils) culture and zebrafish models with the latest molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics and in vivo imaging to investigate how ELAVL1, a major RNA-binding, impacts on immune cell biology. Together, we will uncover the fundamental principles of immune regulation by post-transcript regulation, with relevance to inflammatory diseases.
You will be able to demonstrate a collaborative mindset, be looking to acquire and use new skills and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary way. You will look forward to being part of a community of researchers working towards common goals.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research programme investigating the regulation and function of ELAVL1 in immune cell biology and inflammation. The project combines molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and in vivo disease models to uncover mechanisms controlling RNA processing and immune cell function. The successful candidate will work in a team where complementary expertise will be available to cover all required skills and will contribute to complementary work packages spanning mechanistic studies in human cells and functional investigations in zebrafish models.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Design and conduct collaborative research into the molecular mechanisms regulating ELAVL1 function in innate immune cells.
- Process high-throughput datasets, and design and apply novel statistical analysis, visualisation, using R, Python, bash, or other suitable programming languages.
- Generate, integrate, and interpret large-scale multi-omics datasets, using them to generate and test novel hypotheses.
- Investigate post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including intron retention, mRNA stability, RNA editing, methylation, and protein phosphorylation.
- Design, analyse and perform high-throughput -omics experiments, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), eCLIP, SLAM-seq, RIP-seq, and associated transcriptomic datasets in vitro and in vivo.
- For suitable applicants, there will be an opportunity to develop and apply molecular biology approaches such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA affinity pull-down assays, mutant analysis, and gene perturbation strategies.
- Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and reports.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and comply with laboratory, ethical, and health and safety procedures.
- Collaborate effectively with researchers across molecular biology, bioinformatics, and imaging disciplines, and support the training of students and junior researchers where appropriate.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
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Essential Expertise
Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant biological and/or bioinformatic discipline and experience of bioinformatic analysis of the datasets generated by molecular and cellular biology, RNA biology, immunology, genomics, or related fields. Experience analysing large datasets using relevant programming languages are essential. Experience with CRISPR technologies, RNA-focused methodologies, transcriptomics, imaging experience or zebrafish models would be advantageous for candidates with dual wet-lab/bioinformatics expertise.
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.
Criteria
PhD in a relevant discipline e.g. Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, etc
Essential
Application/Interview
A proven track record of research in bioinformatics or computational biology
Essential
Application/Interview
Knowledge of the python, R or other programming languages and experience using UNIX-style operating systems.
Essential
Application/Interview
Strong understanding of RNA biology
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to design, analyse and troubleshoot experiments
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to communicate efficiently and work between groups
Essential
Interview
Knowledge of Github, Jupyter, Rmarkdown and other tools for reproducible computational analysis.
Desirable
Application/interview
Knowledge of standard Molecular Biology experimental techniques such as PCR and molecular cloning, and techniques specifically relevant to the study RNA biology, including mammalian cell culture, CRISPR and genome-wide RNA stability, splicing and editing measurement techniques such as RNA-seq, SLAM-seq or eCLIP.
Desirable
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
7.3 – 7.5
Salary
£38,784 to £41,064
Work arrangement
Full time
Duration
1st September 2026
Line manager
PI
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Direct reports
n/a
Our website
https://renshaw.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Steve Renshaw, PI, on s.a.renshaw@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in September 2026. This will consist of an interview and presentation followed by a tour of the facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage shortly after the advert closes. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Cat Loynes on c.loynes@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 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
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
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.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
Please note we also have another role currently advertised, see here for more information" (Research Associate - Specialism in Wetlab with potential Bioinformatics experience (2903))
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.
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