Research Fellow (Post-doctoral) - School of Biosciences - 105881 - Grade 7

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

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Biosciences team as a Research Fellow. This position focuses on investigating the neural mechanisms of decision-making using Drosophila as a model. Successful candidates will develop behavioral experiments, collaborate internationally, and contribute to innovative research in an interdisciplinary environment. Proficiency in experimental design and data analysis software is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• First degree in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience or related Life Sciences disciplines.
• PhD (or near completion) in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience or related Life Sciences.
• Experience with Drosophila behavioral neurogenetics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments regarding decision-making under conflicts.
• Analyze and interpret research results with statistical methods.
• Supervise and teach students and assist in outreach activities.

Skills

Behavioural neurogenetics

Data analysis

Experimental design

Critical thinking

Education

PhD in Biology, Genetics, or Neuroscience

Tools

R

MatLab

Python

Job description

Research Fellow (Post-doctoral) - School of Biosciences - 105881 - Grade 7

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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

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,130

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

Closing date: 10th July 2025

Background

Post-doctoral Research Fellow to investigate how the brain solves conflicts.

The Rezaval Lab at the University of Birmingham is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making, using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system.

Funded by the BBSRC, this project will combine innovative behavioural paradigms, neural circuit mapping, advanced genetics and two-photon calcium imaging to uncover how the brain selects between conflicting drives, and how these choices vary by context, internal state, and sex. The work builds on recent findings from our lab showing how flies prioritise competing needs such as mating, feeding, and threat avoidance (e.g. Cazalé-Debat et al., Nature, 2024; Cheriyamkunnel et al., Curr. Biol., 2021).

The lab is based at the Birmingham Centre for Neurogenetics within the School of Biosciences—an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment located in one of the UK’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Networking opportunities include visits to national and international collaborators (e.g. David Owald, Charité Berlin; Lisa Scheunemann, Free University).

Role Summary

• Work within the BBSRC research grant into “ Conflict in the Brain: Understanding Sex and Context-Dependent Choices”, directed by Carolina Rezaval (University of Birmingham).
• Operate within the area of behavioural neurogenetics of Drosophila. This requires expertise in setting up and analysing behavioural tests, using appropriate analytical methods and software and skills in coding in e.g. R, MatLab, R, Python, as required.
• Operate using also other Drosophila methods, such as genetics, immunostainings, laser scanning confocal microscopy and imaging.
• Design, plan and execute research experiments in the above areas and obtain research findings. Analyse and interpret research results and findings from the project, using automatic methods with appropriate software.
• Supervise and teach other members of the research team (e.g. Master and PhD students) and openly share expertise knowledge with team members (e.g. Post-docs).
• Collaborate with other two post-docs working in this research programme, to deliver on project aims.
• Contribute to writing funding bids as and if appropriate, e.g. by generating preliminary data for funding bids by the PI.
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as IP generated), should the opportunity emerge.
• Contribute to the public understanding of neuroscience, by participating in outreach and public engagement activities.
  
  

Main Duties

• Work under the direct supervision of your PI, to carry out experiments, trouble-shoot, generate and analyse data, to deliver on this BBSRC funded research project aims.
• Focus on, adapt, learn new methods and develop research objectives and engage in the intellectual aspects of the project, to enable cutting edge discoveries.
• Design, plan and execute experiments to generate data for the project and analyse and interpret data.
• Collect research data through a variety of research methods, including scientific experimentation and keeping up with the relevant literature.
• Contribute to developing new experiments, techniques and methods, to trouble shooting and optimising protocols to ensure experiments run smoothly and to find creative solutions to solve scientific problems.
• Periodically and regularly write findings with figures to facilitate preparation of research publications.
• Apply knowledge and critical thinking to develop new intellectual understanding.
• Deal and aim to resolve problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and meeting project deadlines
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars and other presentations, together with your PI and other team members. This includes contributing to writing research papers and reviews, attending conferences (which could be abroad) and presenting talks and posters, and giving periodic presentation of progress reports at group meetings.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding, including the generation of preliminary data for funding bids by the PI.
• Supervise students (undergraduate, Masters and PhD students) on research related work and provide guidance to other lab members.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research, contributing to the lab scientific, cooperative, culture.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research as required (e.g. writing reports, writing lab protocols, curate data in digital platforms, etc).
• Undertake careful and regular data management and curation, of own data and of students’ or other team members’ data that work under their supervision.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration, as and if required.
• Participate in outreach activities to disseminate research findings to a wider public.
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
  
  

Person Specification

• First degree in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience or related Life Sciences disciplines and a PhD (or near to completion) in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience or related Life Sciences disciplines and/or equivalent research experience, are required.
• Experience and skills in working with and coding in appropriate software for analysis of behaviour, e.g. R, MatLab and/or related, data curation and storage in open source sites, access to platforms and databases are desirable.
• Experience working with Drosophila behavioural neurogenetics would be an advantage.
• Skills in immunohystochemistry, laser scanning confocal microscopy and imaging.
• High level analytical capability and understanding of the scientific process.
• Independent intellectual critical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to learn and adapt in order to execute experiments, meet scientific goals and deliver on project aims.
• Ability to learn new methods and approaches and contribute to developing new methods, trouble shoot, solve problems and find creative solutions.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and specific research project.
• Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Excellent team-work attitude, readiness to learn from others and to teach others and contribute to common scientific goals.
• 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 Carolina Rezaval, 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 .

Seniority level

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