Research Fellow (Post doctoral) - School of Biosciences - 105807 - Grade 7

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

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Structural Biology for a Wellcome Trust funded project. This role involves advanced research in RNA metabolism and gene expression, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Cryo-EM and NMR. The successful candidate will collaborate within a vibrant research group and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Structural Biology or Biophysics.
• Proficiency in structural biology techniques.
• Experience with protein expression and purification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments, analyse data, and write research bids.
• Supervise students and contribute to funding proposals.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and seminars.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Research techniques

Education

PhD in relevant subject area

First degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biophysics

Tools

X-ray crystallography

NMR spectroscopy

Cryo-EM

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 July 2028

Closing date: 18th June 2025

'Open House' Drop In Session:We will be holding an ‘open house’ drop in session at the University’s Exchange building, in Centenary Square, Birmingham, between 10am and 5pm on Friday 6th June 2025. If you’re interested in working at the University of Birmingham and perhaps have a few questions, this is an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Recruitment team. It will be a relaxed and informal event – you can drop in at any time.

Background

A Wellcome Trust funded Post doctoral Research Fellow position is available in structural biology utilizing Cryo-EM, NMR and X-ray crystallography along with biochemistry, cell biology and RNA biology. The position will be based in the research group of Dr. Pravin Jagtap (https://www.jagtap-lab.com) at the University of Birmingham, UK. The Research Fellow will work in the field of RNA metabolism and regulation of gene expression to understand the regulatory mechanisms mediated by accessory domains in human RNA helicases involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We offer unique access to first-class instrumentation for structural biology.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 and X-ray crystallography. 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. 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.

This project is a part of a larger project which will involve two other postdocs and two PhD students in the coming years, within a Wellcome Trust Career Development award funded research programme “Unlocking the RNA Helicase Code: From Structural Insights to Therapeutic Strategies” led by Dr. Jagtap. The overall project builds upon our novel and exciting findings on the regulation of RNA helicases by accessory RNA bindind domains providing an opportunity to target the RNA helicases involved in cancer and neurodegeneration in humanswith small molecules and peptides without affecting the highly conserved ATP and RNA binding sites (Lang, N. et.al. RNA biology 21, 2025; Jagtap, PKA et.al. Mol Cell 83, 2024, Jagtap PKA et.al. NAR 47, 2019).

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.

• Conduct experiments, troubleshoot, and analyse data under supervision todeliver on this Wellcome Trust research goals
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, in the area of interest of the hosting laboratory
• 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)
• Proficiency in at least one of these techniques (e.g., single-particle electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, small-angle scattering) and willingness to learn others
• Experience in protein expression (bacterial, insect or mammalian cells), protein purification, and nucleic acid handling
• Experience with biophysical techniques for characterisation of protein-RNA, protein-protein and protein small molecule interactions
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information effectively
• Familiarity with research techniques and the ability to contribute to their development
• Ability to manage resources efficiently and coordinate work with others
• Willingness to work in an international, competitive research environment
• 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 Dr. Pravin Jagtap, 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 everyone on our website .