Research Fellow - Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 100436 - Grade 7

Position Details

Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,348 to £42,155, with potential progression once in post to £44,737

Grade 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 10/12/2024

Closing date: 9th October 2022

Background

The process of DNA recombination is central to DNA repair and replication, yet many aspects of the process are poorly understood in the mammalian-cell context. This position will be part of a team aiming to discover currently unknown cellular factors critical to DNA recombination and to develop the means to observe and measure essential steps of mammalian recombination. This post will include a focus on super-resolution microscopy and label development for quantitative observational analysis. The work is funded by UKRI-Horizon Europe underwriting and is for 2 years in the first instance. Successful candidates will have demonstrable knowledge of DNA repair and/or super-resolution microscopy techniques.

Role Summary

• Work within the specified research grant to generate high quality data
• Operate within the area of DNA recombination and/or advanced microscopy to contribute to assay and experimental design
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding and writing bids
• Contribute to research and review papers

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 complex data, including large imaging datasets
• Keep accurate, well annotated records of research activities
• 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/Institute 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
• 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 higher degree (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability and demonstrable ability to troubleshoot unique problems
• Proven productivity within the speciality or one related to it
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to people within and beyond the speciality
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques and methods and the ability to contribute to developing new ones. For example, demonstrable experience of advanced microscopy techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy and/or expansion microscopy, would be advantageous. Demonstrable knowledge of DNA repair mechanisms or replication would be advantageous.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively and responsibly
• Understanding of, ability to and willingness to contribute to broader management/administration processes, including management and maintenance of the laboratory
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project, including recommending novel ideas
• 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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquires to Professor Jo Morris, email: J.Morris.3@bham.ac.uk

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 .