Research Associate in Biophysics

Job Description

Job Title: Research Associate in Biophysics - Ultrafast Spectroscopy

Posting Start Date: 25/11/2025

Job Id: 1921

School/Department: Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Salary per annum (£): 39,906.00

Closing Date: 15/12/2025

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.

Overview

A fully funded three-year position, opportunity at the University of Sheffield in the field of Biophysics, specialising in Ultrafast Spectroscopy.

This project addresses two critical and interlinked biological phenomena associated with bacterial plasma membranes: (i) the biophysical processes that couple respiration to ATP production by the F1Fo ATP synthase, and (ii) the sensitivity of bacteria to membrane-targeting antibacterial compounds.

This postdoc position will be responsible for the biophysical exploration using various ultrafast spectroscopy techniques, primarily time-resolved fluorescence using time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) and fluorescence up-conversion. The position involves conducting experiments, analysing data, and developing novel methodologies in ultrafast spectroscopy.

This project is conducted in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, which will be in charge of the biological samples.

Applicants are welcome from all over the world, regardless of nationality.

You will join a vibrant, supportive, and internationally recognised research group at the University of Sheffield. Under the guidance of Prof. Nadav Amdursky, an expert in biophysics, you will be exposed to world-class expertise in the development and application of new biophysical methodologies. The University of Sheffield offers state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration opportunities with industry and academia, and access to training in transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, and science communication.

Main duties and responsibilities

• The research associate will be responsible for all of the ultrafast measurements to be done in the project.
• To be in charge of the ultrafast fluorescence system, including assembling a TCSPC system, based on the use of a fs laser.
• Propose and perform biophysical research involving proton transfer reactions.
• Providing leadership as a professional scientist, including supporting/mentoring other students.
• Collaborating with the project's partners in Newcastle.
• To be responsible for the following methodologies and techniques:
• TCSPC apparatus
• Fluorescence up-conversion
• Time-resolved mid-IR measurements
• All steady-state spectroscopy: absorption, fluorescence, and IR.
• 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.

Essential criteria

• A PhD or equivalent experience in biophysics, physical chemistry, physics (Application)
• Experience in ultrafast spectroscopy: TCSPC, fluorescence up-conversion, time-resolved mid-IR (Application + Interview)
• Experience in assembling optical systems that are based on fs lasers (Application + Interview)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists in other disciplines (Application + Interview)
• Ability to provide supervision – supporting and mentoring e.g. MSc and PhD students (Application + Interview)
• Effective communication skills (including writing papers and making oral presentations at scientific meetings) (Application + Interview)

Desirable criteria

• Experience in working with biological membranes (Application + Interview)
• Experience in exploring charge transfer reactions (Application + Interview)
• Experience in programming (Python/LabVIEW/etc) (Application + Interview)
• Experience in computational methodologies (DFT – QM/MM) (Application + Interview)
• A strong interest in cross-disciplinary research at the physical science/polymer chemistry interface (Interview)
• Willingness to work across traditional subject boundaries (Interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7.4

Salary: £39,355

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Fixed term for 36 months

Line manager: Professor of Biophysical Chemistry

Direct reports: N/A

Our website:

For informal enquiries about this job contact

Professor Nadav Amdursky, Professor of Biophysical Chemistry: on or on

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 10-15 days after the advert closure. This will consist of an Interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week following the advert closure If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact MPS HR support at mps-

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: ().

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• support for those going through the menopause
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.