Research Fellow - School of Biosciences - 97705 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927, with potential progression once in post to £43,434

Grade 7

Full Time/FTC until October 2024

Closing date: 8th October 2021

Role Summary

The postholder will play a key role in driving forward multiple projects in the newly established Poxvirus Cell Biology Group (Mercer lab). The postholder will either have previous experience in virus-host interaction studies or in the production, use and imaging of micropatterned cells and 3-D spheroids. Experience in both is highly desired. The post holder will contribute to novel, cutting-edge studies investigating the interplay between Vaccinia virus and their host cells. They will routinely work with cell lines, complex cell models, recombinant live replicating viruses, advanced microscopy methods (imaging and labelling), basic virology and biochemical approaches.

They will be expected to undertake a programme of independent experimentation and to work closely with me and other members of the Mercer lab to extend and develop this programme of research. They will be expected to play an active role in disseminating these findings via publications and conferences as well as in preparing future funding bids to extend the project.

Scope of role

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of poxvirus-host interaction
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties

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

• Develop poxvirus-centric research objectives and proposals for own and joint research with assistance of lab head.
• To collect research data through rigorous scientific experimentation, with a particular emphasis on basic pox virology, 'high-end' microscopy and with a particular emphasis on infection in complex cell systems.
• To analyse and interpret data arising from their own research and other projects running within the group.
• To supervise students working on projects related to this research topic and to provide guidance to PhD students and other colleagues within the group.
• To present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for presentation as peer-reviewed publications and as seminars and posters and (inter)national conferences.
• To contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Ultimately to develop research objectives and proposals for independent research funding applications.

Person Specification

• PhD (or near completion) in Biological Science
• Proven track record in Poxvirology.
• Proven track record in micropatterning and or 3-D cell culture systems
• Proven track record in cell biology, molecular biology, and advanced imaging techniques.
• Fluency in basic cell culture and virology techniques and methods.
• A strong background drug repurposing screening.
• Excellent communication skills are essential, as are good laboratory documentation practice.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• High level analytical capability
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to contribute to developing new poxvirus techniques

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.