Research Fellow - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 105445 - 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

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £34,866.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2026

Closing date: 25th March 2025

Background

Applications are invited for a highly motivated and organised post-doctoral Research Fellow to join the Stewart laboratory, based at the University of Birmingham, to work on the development of suppressor-tRNAs as a therapy for Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

Candidates should have a PhD  (or near to completion) and previous experience within the field of DNA damage signalling, DNA repair and/or DNA replication. Preferably, candidates should have published at least first author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal although this is not essential. Candidates should have significant practical experience with standard mammalian cell culture techniques, fluorescence microscopy, standard molecular biology and protein-based laboratory techniques and CRISPR. Experience with single molecule DNA fibre analysis is preferable.

Role Summary

• To plan, carry out and develop laboratory-based research activity as outlined in the grant proposal as well as novel research directions, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes
• Design a successful programme of investigation, managing individual components of the study from the start of the project to dissemination of findings within set timeframes
• Evaluate methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and relate such evaluations appropriately to your own work
• Present research results through publication or other recognised forms of output, e.g. peer-reviewed journals, reports and conference presentations at a national/international level
• Contribute to the work of the research team as a whole; through dialogue with colleagues, generation of ideas, contributing to preparation of grant applications, advising on study design, problem solving etc.
• Keep abreast of the literature and maintain a good working knowledge of the background and current developments in the field of the project

Main Duties

• To plan and develop research activity as outlined in the grant proposal as well as novel research directions, with assistance of a mentor if required
• To contribute to writing grant applications for research funding
• Critically review grant applications and research publications
• Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes
• Design a successful programme of investigation, managing individual components of the study from the start of the project to dissemination of findings within set timeframes
• Evaluate methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and relate such evaluations appropriately to your own work
• Present research results through publication or other recognised forms of output, e.g. peer-reviewed journals, reports and conference presentations at a national/international level
• Contribute to the work of the research team as a whole; through dialogue with colleagues, generation of ideas, contributing to preparation of grant applications, advising on study design, problem solving etc.
• Make and contribute to decisions on day-to-day matters that affect their own work and that of the team
• Keep abreast of the literature and maintain a good working knowledge of the background and current developments in the field of the project
• Attend research seminars, meetings and conferences, and undertake training courses where required
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and for future collaboration
• Be aware of risks in the work environment and contribute to COSSH assessments when appropriate
• To supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• To contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• To undertake management/administration arising from research
• To provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• To 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

• PhD (or near to completion) in a relevant field
• Previous experience within the field of DNA damage signalling, DNA repair and/or DNA replication is preferable
• Practical experience with in vitro mammalian cell (including making retrovirus and lentiviruses, generating stable cell lines)
• Practical experience with microscopy-based laboratory techniques (including immunofluorescence, chromosome breakage analysis)
• Practical experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation
• Practical experience with molecular biology (including primer design, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, DNA sequencing, expression plasmid generation, CRISPR technology)
• Practical experience with DNA and siRNA transfection
• Practical experience with DNA fibre analysis/DNA combing
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (including written and presentational)
• The ability to work and think independently and to contribute to the planning of a programme of scientific research
• Effective organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines
• Evidence of an ability to write to a standard required for research reports/publications
• Willingness to work flexibly, when necessary, to fulfil the needs of the research project 
• Evidence of an ability to work individually and in a research team
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements within the laboratory setting 
• Familiarity with computer packages for data analysis
• The ability and willingness to keep up with and have a working knowledge of the scientific literature in the field of the project
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• 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.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Grant Stewart, email: g.s.stewart@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 6599
• Job Category Academic Non-clinical
• Posting Date 03/04/2025, 12:01 AM
• Apply Before 03/25/2025, 11:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB