Research Fellow - School of Biosciences - 105700 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative institution is seeking a Research Fellow to explore the structural basis of molecular functions. This role involves studying RNA acetylation and its impact on cellular functions using cutting-edge techniques like NMR spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. Join a vibrant community of scientists and contribute to groundbreaking research in genome biology and cancer research. This position offers unique access to world-class instrumentation and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment. If you're passionate about biophysics and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• First degree in Chemistry or related area and normally a higher degree relevant to research area.
• PhD (or near to completion) in structural biology or biophysics.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments to analyze and interpret research findings.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding and supervise students.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Research Methodology

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biophysics

PhD in Structural Biology or Biophysics

Tools

NMR Spectroscopy

Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Biochemical Assays

Biophysical Techniques

Job description

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 1st June 2025

Background

Our international group of highly motivated and interdisciplinary structural biologists is expanding! We are looking for a Research Fellow fascinated by the structural basis of molecular functions. You will study the mechanism of RNA acetylation, how post-translational modifications impact RNA structure and the molecular mechanisms by which acetylation of RNA impacts cellular functions. Your main research tool will be structural biology together with biochemical, biophysical and cellular assays. We offer unique access to first-class instrumentation for structural biology. At the national centre for biomolecular NMR spectroscopy in Birmingham (HWB-NMR), we host the best biomolecular NMR equipment available in the UK, comprising 1000 and 900 MHz spectrometers equipped with cryoprobes and MAS probes for both solution- and solid-state NMR, as well as an incoming 1.2 GHz spectrometer expected in spring 2025. At the Midlands Regional Cryo Electron Microscope Facility in Leicester, you will have access to a 300kV Titan Krios G3 cryo-electron microscope with a direct electron-detecting camera. We have BAG access to the synchrotron at DIAMOND for small angle scattering, X-ray crystallography and many more X-ray based techniques. Fully equipped biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories, as well as extensive equipment for in cellulo work and light microscopy are available. This interdisciplinary research environment will provide you with unique development opportunities.

Our globally-operating research group is embedded in a vibrant community of world-renowned scientists in the fields of genome biology, cancer research and microbiology. We believe in interdisciplinarity and we strive to integrate structural biology with functional studies in cells and whole organisms, as well as with drug design and molecular engineering.

If you are curious, motivated and ready for challenge to discover the rules of nature by biophysics, you can’t miss this opportunity!

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Design and perform experiments
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, in the area of interest of the hosting laboratory (Prof. T. Carlomagno)
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Acquire, analyse and interpret data structural biology, biochemical and biophysical data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation and literature reviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biophysics (or in any closely related area) andnormally, a higher degree relevant to research area (Structural biology, biochemistry and biophysics) or equivalent qualifications
• PhD (or near to completion) in relevant subject area (structural biology or biophysics)
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Professor Teresa Carlomagno, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website .