Research Fellow in Structural Mass Spectrometry School of Biosciences 107244 Grade 7

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Due to limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7 salary.

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Closing date: 23rd April 2026

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 Aneika Leney Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic and expanding team at the University of Birmingham. Our group specialises in advanced native mass spectrometry HDXMS crosslinking mass spectrometry and structural proteomics for interrogating protein complexes and assemblies. We use stateoftheart instrumentation and integrated biochemical workflows to define stoichiometry map interaction interfaces and monitor conformational dynamics across diverse macromolecular systems. These complementary structural MS approaches allow us to capture assemblies in their native states quantify dynamic changes and generate highresolution insights into protein organisation and function.

The Leney laboratory applies structural mass spectrometry to investigate diverse and impactful problemsfrom designing and analysing coiledcoil architectures and developing molecular glues that reprogramme protein interactions to resolving the structure and dynamics of photosynthetic complexes in cyanobacteria. Our work also extends into environmental proteomics where we have pioneered native mass spectrometry for the rapid detection of cyanobacteria and their toxins from fresh water lakes. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to these interdisciplinary research areas while working within a collaborative wellresourced mass spectrometry environment within the Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility.

Please attach to your application the following:

• Cover letter (1 page max outlining your motivations and suitability for the post)
• CV which should include a full publication list.
• Letters of recommendation or contact details of potential referees

Further information on the research group can be found at:.Selected research publications include:

• HydrogenDeuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Glue Characterization. Advanced Sci. spectrometry reveals the evolutionary conservation of phycobiliprotein complexes. Nature Commun. protein-centric mass spectrometry approach for species identification within harmful algal blooms. . 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 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 and literature reviews
  • Present research outputs including producing academic publications for example at seminars and as posters at internal events and at national/international conferences
  • 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 deadline
  • Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

  Person Specification

  • PhD (or near to completion) in area of specialism related to the research group or equivalent qualifications
  • 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 Aneika Leney 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.