Research Fellow - School of Computer Science - 106639 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow in the School of Computer Science. The successful candidate will work on a project involving new algebraic structures for computational effects, contribute to writing funding bids, and oversee research initiatives. A first degree and a higher degree relevant to the research area are required, along with strong analytical capabilities. This role offers a competitive salary and is on a full-time fixed-term contract until June 2029.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication and research seminars.

Skills

High level analytical capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods

Education

First degree in area of specialism

Higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience

Job description

School of Computer Science

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 June 2029

Closing date: 9th December 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

The successful candidate will contribute to the project “New algebraic structures for computational effects”, led by Dr Paul Levy (University of Birmingham), which aims to develop categorical and denotational semantics for general effects, for stateful effects in particular and for polymorphism in effectful languages. The project will involve categorical structures, call‑by‑push‑value and game semantics, so any background in these and related areas would be valuable.

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
• Develop research, write it up in papers and present it in seminars and conferences

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
• Develop research with due regard for mathematical correctness
• 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, literature reviews, and research interviews
• 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

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience
• 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

Informal enquiries to Dr Paul Levy, 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.