Research Fellow - School of Biosciences - 107443 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Biosciences 

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £38,784.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027 (12 months) 

Closing date: 28th May 2026

Background

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic group investigating mitochondrial genetics and function using Drosophila as the model (http://themalab.co.uk). The candidate will use genetic and biochemical approaches to study mitochondrial DNA inheritance during development. 

You must be ambitious and able to work independently. Applicants should have, or will soon have, a PhD in genetics, biochemistry or molecular biology with a basic knowledge of mitochondrial biology. Previous experience in Drosophila work and confocal imaging would be a strong plus.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties

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

• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Analyse and interpret data
• 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 
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• 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 PhD degree relevant to research area 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 Hansong Ma, email: h.ma.6@bham.ac.uk

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 everyone on our website.