Research Fellow - Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes - 106403 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow to investigate biofilm growth's impact on antimicrobial resistance. The role involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to funding applications. Applicants should have a degree in biological sciences and a PhD in microbiology or be close to completion. Competitive salary and fixed-term contract up to January 2029.

Qualifications

• Significant experience with molecular and phenotypic microbiology experimentation.
• Experience of bioinformatic analysis of microbial genomics data.
• Ability to supervise students on research-related work.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Supervise students and provide guidance to PhD students.

Skills

Molecular microbiology experimentation

Bioinformatics analysis of microbial genomics data

High level analytical capability

Ability to communicate complex information

Education

First degree in biological or biomedical sciences

PhD degree in microbiology or near completion

Job description

Position Details

Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2029

Closing date: 22 October 2025

Background

This exciting BBSRC-funded project will explore the impact of biofilm growth on the evolution of plasmid-mediated AMR and hyper-virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The Research Fellow will be a member of Dr. Michelle Buckner’s lab, which sits within the School of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunology, and the Department of Microbes, Infection, and Microbiomes. This project is in collaboration with Prof. Jose Bengoechea (LSHTM), Prof. Michael Brockhurst (University of Manchester), and Dr. Jan-Ulrich Kreft (University of Birmingham).

Role Summary

• Working alongside a technician to generate a library of fluorescent bacterial strains/plasmids and characterise phenotypes in biofilm and planktonic cultures
• Contribute to designing, performing and analysing large scale bacterial evolution experiments, including extensive sequencing analysis
• Contribute to designing, performing and analysing in vitro pathogenicity assays
• Work within the specified research grant and contribute to writing bids and generating additional funding

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, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, presentations 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 including drafting of risk assessments and COSHH forms
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, and present research outputs through seminars and/or posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in biological or biomedical sciences, and a PhD degree (or near to completion) in the field of microbiology
• Significant experience with molecular and phenotypic microbiology experimentation, along with experience of bioinformatic analysis of microbial genomics data
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project, including assessing resource requirements and use of resources
• 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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Abbie Riley, email: [e-mail]

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