Research Fellow - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 105114 - Grade 7

Position Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2030

Closing date: 27th February 2025

Background

The Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham is seeking an exceptional candidate to join the Broderick lab to carry out fundamental research on the processes of telomere maintenance, DNA replication and DNA repair in human cells. 

Specifically, the post holder will investigate the molecular mechanisms of the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) process to identify therapeutic targets for ALT-reliant cancers, examining how collapsed telomeric DNA replication forks are clustered to engage break-induced telomere synthesis in ALT-reliant cells. This will be achieved using cutting-edge cell and molecular biology approaches including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, advanced microscopy techniques and analysis of synthetic lethality.

The successful applicant will join a newly established team at the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences; a diverse Cancer Research Centre which includes one of the largest Cancer Clinical Trials Units in the UK, as well as several high-profile DNA repair and replication research groups. The post holder will also be afforded opportunities for personal and professional development in the areas of teaching, research leadership and grant writing. 

The position is supported by an MRC Career Development Award.

Role Summary

• To design, perform and record experiments that inform this area, including developing new methodologies.
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids.
• Operate within area of specialism and develop ideas beyond that area.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Contribute to generating funding.
• Support other members of the research group and work with lab members towards publications and long-term projects. 

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not necessarily all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Bring the ability to invent new, or adapt existing, methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of others in the research team, providing guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research. 
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data, recommend next steps within the context of current literature.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Keep excellent contemporaneous notes and records.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students, and more junior members of staff where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Undertake management/administration and day-to-day laboratory tasks needed for 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.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines, such as those for publication or grant deadlines.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive and kind working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a PhD (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Demonstrable research experience of, or detailed knowledge of, mammalian telomere biology, DNA replication and/or DNA repair. 
• Demonstrable technical knowledge of/experience with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, immunofluorescence microscopy and image analysis.
• Demonstrable productivity including publications or preprints.
• High level analytical capability.
• Evidence of having developed or invented new methods and the ability to learn new approaches outside of current expertise.
• 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.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• The ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict, duplication of effort and to promote efficiency.
• Have knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area with those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Dr Ronan Broderick, email: r.a.broderick@bham.ac.uk  

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 .

• Job Identification 6372
• Job Category Academic Non-clinical
• Posting Date 01/30/2025, 12:01 AM
• Apply Before 02/27/2025, 11:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB