Research Assistant in Mechanobiology

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. Join us to become part of something special.

We seek a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the group of Dr Helen Matthews to assist with the completion of a Wellcome Trust-funded research project on the role of keratins in cell division. You will work as part of a small team in a vibrant research environment within the School of Biosciences. This role offers the opportunity to complete an exciting multidisciplinary project combining cell biology, microscopy and biophysical approaches.

You will also gain experience of research dissemination by contributing to writing a scientific paper and presenting at group meetings and conferences.

Candidates should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in a bioscience subject and have proficiency in carrying out and analysing atomic force microscopy experiments to measure cell mechanics.

Experience of constructing stable fluorescently-tagged MCF
10A cell lines, advanced microscopy techniques to image keratin filaments, proficiency in automated image analysis using Cell Pose and Fiji, and knowledge of keratin biology are also essential.

• Undertake research to support the completion of the keratin mechanobiology project
• Carry out atomic force microscopy measurements of cell mechanics for this project and to assist other projects in the lab
• Construct and image fluorescently labelled cell lines to study keratin dynamics
• Carry out automated image analysis of microscopy images for the project and other lab projects
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• Contribute to the writing of research papers
• Disseminate results via journals, conference presentations and project meetings
• Develop scientific background, specialist knowledge and scientific contacts
• Attend national and international conferences and workshops to present research results
• Stay up to date with current advances in the field
• Contribute to lab organisation through shared tasks
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Our diverse community 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 reference the application criteria in your application statement.

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in a bioscience subject
• Proficiency in atomic force microscopy experiments and analysis to measure cell mechanics
• Experience constructing stable fluorescently-tagged MCF
  10A cell lines
• Experience with advanced microscopy techniques to image keratin filaments
• Proficiency in automated image analysis using Cell Pose and Fiji
• Knowledge of keratin biology
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and experience of delivering presentations
• Experience communicating within a team including undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Ability to organise, plan and progress research activities
• Willingness to tackle unfamiliar tasks and develop new skills

Grade: 6
Salary: £32,080 – £34,610 per annum
Work arrangement:
Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration:
Fixed term for 7 months from 1 April 2026 to 31 October 2026
Line manager:
Research Fellow
Direct reports:
None

School of Biosciences – Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Cluster. For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr. Helen Matthews, Research Fellow:

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