Postdoctoral Research Associate, Whitfield lab, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CSR746/research-associate

Closing date: 22nd September 2022

Sculpting the labyrinth: epithelial morphogenesis in the developing zebrafish inner ear

Fixed term: 03.10.2022 to 03.10.2025

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the research group of Professor Tanya Whitfield (www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/tanya-whitfield).

The overall aim of the Whitfield lab research programme is to use genetic, molecular and cellular, and imaging/image analysis approaches to understand the development and function of the vertebrate inner ear, the organ of hearing and balance. You will join a small team working on epithelial morphogenesis of the developing semi-circular canal ducts. This fascinating process involves changes in epithelial curvature and cell shape, fusion and perforation of epithelial cell sheets, changes in cell shape involving redistribution of extracellular matrix, cytoskeletal and cell adhesion factors, together with apoptosis. Several different projects are available to suit the interests and skills of the successful candidate. The research programme is generously funded through a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award to Professor Whitfield.

You will be able to make a significant contribution to the ongoing research of the Whitfield lab through the design and execution of experiments along with appropriate data analysis approaches. An essential part of the role is to disseminate findings by writing papers and presenting ongoing work at conferences and seminars. By working alongside PhD students, technical staff, and undergraduate and MSc project students, you will also have opportunities to develop your supervision and teaching skills.

You will work within the Development, Regeneration and Neurophysiology Research Cluster within the School of Biosciences, a supportive and collaborative collective of researchers using model organisms to address biomedical research questions. We have strong links with colleagues across the School and have developed additional collaborative links for this project with labs within the School, elsewhere in the UK and in the US. Numerous opportunities for further training and career development are offered by the University of Sheffield, all within one of the UK’s most livable cities.

Applicants must have a PhD in Developmental Biology or related discipline, or equivalent experience, with a strong motivation for and commitment to research in cell and developmental biology. Prior experience working with zebrafish embryos, with strong experimental skills including zebrafish transgenesis, live imaging and quantitative image analysis approaches, are desirable. The ability to work independently is essential, while maintaining a strong team ethic with excellent communication skills. The post demands a flexible attitude and an ability to respond positively to the challenges faced in the research environment.

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development.

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

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Whitfield lab: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/tanya-whitfield
To find out about life in the lab, visit our blog:
Twitter: @TTWhitfieldLab
For further information, please contact Tanya Whitfield: t.whitfield@sheffield.ac.uk
To apply, please follow the ‘Apply’ link from this page: