Research Fellow - Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes - 106849 - Grade 7

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

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a dedicated researcher to contribute to projects on gut microbiota interactions. The candidate should possess strong skills in bioinformatics and microbiology, with a focus on early life research. Responsibilities include developing research proposals, analyzing data, and supervising students. A competitive salary range of £36,636 to £46,049 is offered, with a fixed-term contract until March 2028, promoting inclusivity and diversity in research.

Benefits

Inclusive working environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in biomedical laboratory/industry-based research.
• Proficiency in microbial culturing and molecular work.
• Ability to communicate complex research findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for projects.
• Analyse and interpret data for publications.
• Supervise students on research-related work.

Skills

Microbial co-culture studies

Bioinformatics

Analytical capability

Education

First degree in area of specialism

Higher degree relevant to research area

Tools

Microbial genomic analysis

Statistical analysis software (R)

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 March 2028

Closing date: 11th January 2026

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities as part of an Investigator project funded by Wellcome, focusing on understanding microbial and diet interactions in beneficial gut microbiota members such as Bifidobacterium (Bif), and their role in early life colonisation and ecosystem dynamics.

The successful candidate in the Hall lab will explore how beneficial (e.g. Bif), and microbes with pathogenic potential impact wider ecosystem dynamics in global infant populations and how different microbiota members, functional features, and genomic traits in Bif may influence these interactions, such as dietary component breakdown (e.g. human milk oligosaccharides, plant-based carbohydrates). A fundamental understanding of these features will allow selection of Bif communities for next‑stage translational projects.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is motivated by big ideas in the field of early life microbiome research and is seeking to join an inclusive team. The skills/experience of the successful candidate represents a flexible framework that will align with different aspects of the Wellcome project. Particular skills and expertise we are looking for include: sequencing‑based microbiome profiling, bioinformatics analysis (metagenomics and/or microbial genomics and/or transcriptomics and/or ML/AI), and microbial ecology and microbiology approaches (growth assays, ecological/community studies, ideally with a focus on dietary components, and generation of bacterial mutants). We do not expect that the successful candidate will have all these skills, rather an individual may have high‑level expertise in 1‑2 specific areas, or a broader portfolio (with good experience in several areas).

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• 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, 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 etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD/MSc 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, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Conduct microbiological studies, including bacterial culturing, growth curves, and molecular characterisation (potential generation of KOs)
• Carry out microbiome ecology studies, including mock‑community, co‑culture and batch culture experiments, as well as model colon studies
• Bioinformatics analysis, such as QC, data processing, microbial genomic analysis, and microbiome profiling/interaction analysis from clinical/experimental samples. Potentially including more in‑depth AI/ML approaches with large datasets (and integration with other ‘omic datasets).
• Analyse and interpret data – including statistical analysis of microbiome profiles and clinical metadata, including other ‘omic readouts – including experience/knowledge and use of R
• Data QC, processing and analysis of different microbiome datasets
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• 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
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Promote equality and diversity, maintain confidentiality, and uphold health and safety policies

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Experience in biomedical laboratory/industry‑based research
• Microbiology expertise (isolations, culturing, phenotypic analysis, molecular work and anaerobic microbiology is advantageous)
• Proficiency in microbial co‑culture studies, including mock communities systems and/or model colon experimental setups
• Experience in bioinformatics, particularly microbial genomic studies
• Experience of microbial genomics and microbiota profiling and analysis approaches (potentially also AI/ML) from a variety of sample types
• Demonstration of relevant outputs (e.g. publications, code, etc.)
• 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
• 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
• 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

Please attach your CV and Cover Letter to your application.

Further particulars can be found here

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

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.

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 everyone.