Research Assistant (Entomology)

Overview

A Research Assistant is sought to work as part of a team led by Dr Nicola Nadeau, on a Leverhulme Research Project Grant investigating the genetics and biomechanics of butterfly wing scale development. This international and interdisciplinary project brings together expertise in genetics, developmental biology and microscopy with physics and biomechanical modelling to understand how intricately patterned nanostructures form on butterfly wings during development. The post will contribute to the research excellence of the University through supporting the generation of high-profile research outputs.

As an essential part of this project, you will manage the maintenance of the butterfly stocks and the plants that they feed on, in addition to conducting laboratory work gathering data on scale structure development.

Applicants must have a degree (or equivalent experience) in Biology or a related subject along with experience of working with insects and/or plants and working in a laboratory environment. Excellent communication skills with the ability to solve day-to-day research problems, manage own workload and use time effectively are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Maintain butterfly and host plant stocks, including feeding, cleaning, propagating plants, pest and disease control.
• Manage the maintenance of the butterfly and host plant stocks, e.g. to ensure periods of leave or absence are covered and that the facility is kept in good running order for all users at all times.
• Ensure the insectary and greenhouse are kept clean, tidy and safe.
• Occasional supervision / teaching of insectary techniques to others (e.g. new group members/volunteers).
• Maintenance of accurate records.
• Comply fully with Health & Safety, CoSHH risk assessments and waste disposal rules and regulations.
• Prepare samples and perform developmental imaging, adjusting protocols as necessary to achieve the project goals.
• Assist with other molecular laboratory duties as necessary.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance duties as required to ensure efficient and effective laboratory maintenance and housekeeping.
• Attend and contribute to Team Meetings.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students 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 ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A degree (or equivalent experience) in Biology or a related subject.

Essential

Application

Experience of working with insects and/or plants.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of working in a laboratory environment.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to solve day-to-day research problems, manage own workload and use time effectively.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to work as part of a team with varied skills and experience.

Essential

Application/interview

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Essential

Interview

Willingness to tackle unfamiliar tasks and develop new skills.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel and email.

Essential

Application

Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.

Essential

Application/interview

Professional horticultural or entomological experience.

Desirable

Application/interview

Experience of conducting biological research of publishable quality.

Desirable

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

6

Salary

£32,080 per annum, pro-rata

Work arrangement

Part-time (17.5 hours per week)

Duration

Fixed-term from 13 October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of 3 years

Line manager

Senior Lecturer / Project Lead

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences

For informal enquiries about this job contact Nicola Nadeau, Project lead: on n.nadeau@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 4717

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. This will consist of an interview, with the opportunity to meet other members of the team and visit the School of Biosciences. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.