Research Associate (Neuroscience)

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

How does the brain stabilise neuronal activity to ensure optimal information encoding? Andrew Lin’s lab at the University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate to study these questions in the fruit fly Drosophila.

In this project, we seek to understand how neurons adapt to perturbations in their activity levels by changing their morphology, synaptic input, or excitability. We do this using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, confocal microscopy, stochastic genetic labelling of single neurons, and detailed analysis of neuronal morphology. You will design, develop and perform experiments and data analysis, write papers, and present your work at conferences and seminars.

We seek self-motivated, innovative and creative candidates with a PhD in a relevant field (or equivalent experience), expertise in the above techniques, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work independently and in a team.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Record neural activity in Drosophila using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging.
• Design and carry out protocols to induce neuronal plasticity via learning and/or homeostatic plasticity.
• Design and carry out Drosophila crossing schemes to create desired transgenic flies.
• Analyse and record data using established methods and/or design new custom methods for data analysis.
• Set up and maintain lab equipment.
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations either in-hours or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research Group, e.g., manuscripts for publication and grant applications.
• Plan for specific aspects of the research programme.
• If given a particular hypothesis to examine, plan for own contribution up to 3 months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims. Design individual experiments weekly.
• Co-ordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.
• Supervise research team/activities if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD students and other team members within the group.
• Carry out administrative roles as required, e.g., ordering reagents.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Actively contribute to a culture in the research group and wider School where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish professionally or academically.
• 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.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

PhD or equivalent experience in Neuroscience

Essential

Application

Significant scientific experience acquired through application in a working environment in all of the following:

• Live two-photon in vivo calcium imaging
• Drosophila genetics
• Genetic manipulation of activity in single neurons
• Confocal microscopy
• Analysis of live imaging data and neuronal morphology

Essential

Application / Interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team as well as independently

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to solve technical and scientific problems

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to develop scientific questions and to initiate, lead, organise and complete scientific projects

Essential

Application / Interview

Ability to keep up to date with ongoing research and new skills in the relevant subject area

Essential

Application / Interview

Experience of developing and maintaining a network of interactions and working at the cutting edge of your field

Essential

Application / Interview

Evidence of working practices that align with good practice with respect to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and positive wellbeing

Essential

Application / Interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

£38,249 - £46.735 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time (100% FTE)

Duration

1 October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of 12 months

Line manager

Senior Lecturer (Group Leader)

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

Lin Lab

Dr Andrew Lin

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Andrew Lin, Senior Lecturer: on [email protected] or on 0114 222 3643

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. This will consist of a 10-minute presentation about your work followed by 20 minutes of questions. 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, please contact [email protected].

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.
• 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.