About this role
Job description:
Are you a scientist driven by the challenge of making regenerative medicine safer and more accessible? We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the iSTAT (Investigating Safety and Toxicity of Advanced Therapies) programme—a major MRC Prosperity Partnership aimed at revolutionising how we detect and mitigate genetic risks in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).
This role offers a unique "best of both worlds" environment: you will be based in the world-leading stem cell environment at the University of Sheffield, while working in direct collaboration with Professor Matthias Lutolf and his team at Roche’s Institute of Human Biology (Basel, Switzerland).
The Project: iSTAT
Genetic instability remains a critical bottleneck in the clinical translation of hPSC therapies. The iSTAT project addresses this by developing state-of-the-art 3D organoid-based tumorigenicity assays and in-process monitoring tools. Your work will sit at the intersection of bioengineering, genomics, and advanced manufacturing, contributing directly to international regulatory standards for cell therapy safety.
Applicants must have a PhD (or be close to completion / have equivalent experience) in stem cells/developmental biology, bioengineering, or a related field along with specialist research experience in at least one of the following areas: 1. Culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); or 2. 3D/Organoid models. Experience in qPCR and immunostaining/imaging techniques is also essential.
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 at www.sheffield.ac.uk/benefits and join us to become part of something special.