Research Fellow - School of Biosciences

Research Fellow - 81890
School of Biosciences
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Grade 7. Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,395 to £39,609, with potential progression once in post to £42,036.
Full time/FTC for up to 4 years
Closing date: 29th September 2019

The Grainger laboratory at the University of Birmingham is seeking applicants for a Wellcome Trust funded position to study molecular mechanisms associated with toxic DNA sequences. Briefly, high AT-content DNA can be introduced into any genome by the action of viruses or other mobile genetic elements. These AT-rich sections of DNA often have deleterious consequences and, for bacteria, we have shown that these result from uncontrolled transcription. You will join a team focused on i) understanding the downstream molecular pathways that poison the cell ii) the ubiquity of these phenomena beyond the bacterial domain of life. A strong background in molecular biology is essential. Approaches to be applied during the project will involve genetics, Illumina sequencing and data analysis, working with radioactivity, protein purification and a range of different assays to detect transcription. It will be essential for applicants to demonstrate knowledge of the subject area and an ability to think creatively about the subject

Summary of role

• 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

Person specification

• Has experience working with bacteria

• Is a skilled molecular biologist with experience in protein purification and appropriate molecular biology techniques (in vitro transcription assays, DNA footprinting and similar).

• Has experience of bacteria genomics, whole genome sequencing, ChIP-seq

• Has bioinformatics skills required to analyse whole genome sequencing data

• Has experience working with radioactivity

• First degree in area of specialism and a PhD relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications

• Has expertise in bacterial gene regulation

• 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

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community

Valuing excellence; sustaining investment