Research Associate in Oral Stem Cell Biology

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We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the School of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield.
This post is funded by a BBSRC award and offers an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a high-quality in vivo research programme in stem cell and vascular biology with direct relevance to tissue regeneration and inflammatory disease.

Led by Dr Vitor Neves
, the project investigates how stem and vascular cell populations behave in vivo during tissue homeostasis and chronic infectious-inflammatory disease
, using periodontal disease as a biologically tractable model system. The overarching aim is to generate mechanistic insight that can inform future regenerative and precision-medicine approaches.

The post holder will work on an integrated experimental programme combining genetically modified rodent models (including lineage tracing and gain- and loss-of-function approaches),
advanced imaging
, and multi-omics analyses (transcriptomic, epigenomic, and microbiome). This role is ideally suited to a postdoctoral biologist with experience or strong interest in in vivo research, stem cell biology, vascular biology, inflammation, or regenerative biology.

You will work closely with the project lead, other postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, and postgraduate students in a collaborative research environment. The role provides opportunities for significant intellectual contribution, development of advanced experimental skills, and authorship of high-quality publications.

You will be based within a supportive and interdisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities. This post offers excellent training and career development for researchers seeking to strengthen their expertise in in vivo biology and translational regenerative research.

Appointment to the post will be subject to a security check, which will be carried out for the preferred candidate.

• Conduct high-quality laboratory-based research aligned with a BBSRC-funded project investigating stem and vascular cell behaviour in oral tissues during health and periodontal disease.
• Design, perform, and analyse in vivo experiments using genetically modified rodent models, including lineage tracing and gain- and loss-of-function approaches, in compliance with Home Office regulations and approved protocols.
• Maintain, monitor, and assist with the management of animal colonies, including routine animal procedures, health monitoring, and accurate record keeping, in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Perform experimental techniques including oral tissue dissection, histology, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, micro-CT analysis, and multiomics assays.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, maintaining accurate, detailed, and reproducible research records.
• Work independently and collaboratively within the Neves Lab and wider research team to deliver project milestones.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, collaborators, and external audiences.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and contribute to a safe and effective laboratory environment.
• Liaise regularly with the principal investigator and contribute to project planning and team meetings.
• Undertake other duties as required, commensurate with the scope and grade of the post.

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