Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to August 2028 

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. Specifically, the appointed research fellow will work as part of an EPSRC funded project aimed at the design, synthesis, characterisation and testing of polymers as antivirals. 

This post is based within the Jones Lab within the new Molecular Sciences Building (MSB) as part of the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham and will be conducted in close collaboration with Public Health England (PHE) at Porton Down. 

You will be a trustworthy, conscientious, innovative experimental scientist who has successfully completed a PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Bioengineering (or similar), Polymer Science or have equivalent experience.

Experience in polymer synthesis and characterisation and/or a strong chemistry background is essential. Previous experience of working with viruses (or other pathogens) is advantageous but not essential.

The school is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The Department holds a Bronze Award and is working towards Silver, which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We positively welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented at this grade, for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit.

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

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism, particularly polymer and small molecule synthesis in this instance, and normally, a higher 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

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience; 

• Experience with high-throughput synthesis and testing
• Experience with cell culture and related biological assays

Informal enquiries to Samuel Jones, email: s.t.jones.1@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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

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