Research Fellow in Electron Microscopy and Image Analysis

Economics Network; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Economics Network in Birmingham seeks a researcher to develop electron microscopy workflows, focusing on SEM imaging, sample preparation and quantitative image analysis. The role supports an ARIA-funded project on programmable inorganic membranes.

You will work with the Facility for Electron Microscopy and an interdisciplinary team spanning protein science, materials chemistry and engineering, with TEM experience viewed as desirable.

Qualifications

• You will hold a relevant first degree and a PhD (or be close to completion) or equivalent qualifications.
• Practical SEM and sample-preparation experience with strong image-analysis skills.
• Training and specialist support will be provided; TEM experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop electron microscopy workflows and quantify protein assemblies.
• Perform SEM imaging, sample preparation, and quantitative image analysis to guide designs.
• Collaborate with Birmingham's Facility for Electron Microscopy and interdisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to publications and ARIA-related activities.

Skills

SEM experience

Image analysis

Quantitative analysis

Sample preparation

Education

PhD

First degree

Tools

SEM instrument

TEM instrument

Job description

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

Hours:Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

Contract Type:Fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension until 31 July 2029

Description of the Group

This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project. Join Hephaisteion, within ARIA's Universal Fabricators programme, to help turn proteins into programmable templates for inorganic membranes. Our ambition is to manufacture materials with precisely controlled pores, to enable new separation technologies.

You will develop the electron microscopy and image-analysis workflows that show whether this ambition is becoming reality: how protein assemblies form and which defects limit their performance. Your findings will guide the team's next designs and manufacturing decisions.

Based in the School of Chemistry with Dr Dominik Kubicki, you will work with Birmingham's Facility for Electron Microscopy and an interdisciplinary team spanning protein science, materials chemistry and engineering. The role centres on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), sample preparation and quantitative image analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experience is highly desirable.

You will contribute to publications, engage with ARIA workshops and the wider Creator community, and develop your expertise at the interface of biological self-assembly and materials manufacturing.

Person Specification

You will have a relevant first degree and a PhD (or be close to completion), or equivalent research qualifications; practical SEM and sample-preparation experience; and strong quantitative image-analysis skills. You will communicate clearly, develop reproducible methods and organise your work within a collaborative project. TEM experience is desirable; training and specialist support will be available.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Dominik J. Kubicki: [e-mail]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

£36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822