Research Fellow - Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes - 106729 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Birmingham seeks a research lead for a BBSRC project on antimicrobial resistance. This role requires a strong background in microbiology and experimental evolution studies, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex information. The position offers a full-time, fixed-term contract and a salary range of £36,636 to £46,049. Informal inquiries should be directed to Lisa Powell via email.

Qualifications

• Experience of experimental evolution studies.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to assess resource requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental evolution studies using E. coli.
• Analyse research findings and interpret results.
• Develop research objectives with mentor assistance.

Skills

Analytical capability

Communication skills

Fluency in microbial genomic epidemiology

Education

First degree in microbiology or related field

Higher degree in relevant area

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. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,636.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027

Closing date: 7th December 2025

Background

To take a lead role in the development and delivery of a BBSRC funded research project on evolution of antimicrobial resistance.

Role Summary

• Lead on experimental evolution studies using lineages of E. coli
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to day-to-day management of the network
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to public understanding of the discipline

Main Duties

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

• Develop research objectives, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret data
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• 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 in microbial experimental evolution
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree or equivalent qualifications relevant to microbiology, infectious diseases, or evolutionary biology
• Experience of experimental evolution studies
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods in microbial genomic epidemiology and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• 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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Lisa Powell, email: [e-mail]

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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