Research Associate; Biophysics

Overview

University of Sheffield is seeking a motivated Research Associate with expertise in biophysics. Our research strives to bridge the gap between molecular mechanisms and cellular outcomes, specifically focusing on how chromosome resolution is maintained in both healthy and diseased states.

In this project you will utilise molecular simulations (i.e. molecular dynamics, polymer modelling) and single‑molecule data to examine structural changes in DNA and DNA processing enzymes. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team employing cell biology approaches and protein biochemistry to understand the molecular mechanism underlying chromosome resolution.

The impact of this project is an enhanced understanding of genome stability during cell division, which could be exploited for drug development.

• Hold a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent post‑doctoral level work experience) in a relevant subject.
• Experience in either molecular simulations or single‑molecule techniques is essential.
• Encouraged to develop and acquire new skills during the role.

The University of Sheffield provides state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment for this project, including a confocal optical tweezer system housed in the Henry Royce Institute, an expanding biophysics suite in the School of Bioscience, multi‑user GPU clusters and access to national computational resources. The wider university community includes special interest groups such as the Nucleic Acids Institute and the Centre for Single Molecule Biology at Sheffield, providing additional experience, network and support.

• Highly competitive annual entitlement (with the ability to purchase more)
• Generous pension scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Commitment to your development and wellbeing
• Wide range of retail discounts
• And much more

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to the greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.