Research Fellow (Research Inclusion Lead) Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes 105518 Grade 7

Position Details

Department of Microbes Infection and Microbiomes School of Infection Inflammation and Immunology College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Grade: 7

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to June 2029

Closing date: 4th February 2026

Background

The post holder will work within the newly established NIHR Health Protection Unit for Public Health Genomics a partnership between the University of Birmingham and the UK Health Security Agency. You will primarily be working in Theme 2: Applying Novel Omics Methods to Public Health Microbiology which aims to demonstrate potential utility of new sequencing technologies such as single cell genomics long read metagenomics and chromosomal confirmation capture (3C) in public health genomics working with Prof Willem van Schaik Prof Lindsay Hall Prof Nicholas Loman and Dr Joshua Quick in the Institute of Microbiology and Infection and the School of Infection Inflammation and Immunology of the University of Birmingham.

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

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
• 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
• Undertake management/administration arising from research including drafting of risk assessments and COSHH forms
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Undergraduate degree in biological or biomedical sciences and a PhD degree in the field of microbiology
• Significant experience with microbiology and microbial genomics and/or microbial bioinformatics is required
• Able to perform molecular biology laboratory work applying new omics techniques to bacterial isolates or metagenomic samples from the clinic or environment.
• Able to perform downstream bioinformatics and data analysis (working with other post doc bioinformaticians)
• Evidence of an interest in or experience with research that is relevant to public health is desirable
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• 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 foundhere

Informal enquiries to Abbie Riley email:

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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 everyoneon our website.