Research Fellow

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,636.

Full Time 

Fixed Term Contract up to September 2027

Job Summary

The selected candidate will join a vibrant and internationally recognised research team aimed to understand the disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac conditions.

They will undertake research into disease mechanisms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and explore the role of the Z-disk in the pathogenesis of the disease on a BHF funded project. The successful applicant will work closely together with another postdoctoral researcher and employ induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes as a cellular model of disease, in addition to supporting in vivo experiments. They will use molecular biology and biochemical methods to characterise these cells.

The team of Prof Katja Gehmlich is well embedded within the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, collaborates closely with researchers in the UK and internationally.  The team is also part of the Translational Research Cluster on Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, a Research Cluster with international links.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform experiments using tissue and cellular models of cardiomyopathies (this may require working weekends at times)
• Perform detailed analysis and interpretation of data collected through various research methods, including scientific experimentation and literature reviews.

• Apply specialized knowledge in cardiac physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology to develop new intellectual understandings in the field
• Supervise and provide guidance to students engaged in research work, and mentor PhD students in areas relevant to the project.

• Develop research objectives and proposals within the scope of disease mechanisms of inherited cardiac diseases, both independently and collaboratively, with mentorship as needed.
• Analyze, interpret, and present research findings and results in a clear and concise manner, contributing to the field's body of knowledge. Disseminate findings from research to specialist and lay audiences.
• Contribute to the writing of grant proposals and funding applications to secure resources for ongoing and future research.
• Contribute to the public understanding and visibility of the discipline through publications, presentations, and outreach activities.

Person Specification

• Essential: Possession of a first or postgraduate degree in biomedical sciences and a PhD (or close to completion) in cell biology, biomedical sciences, genetics, or a closely related field, demonstrating deep expertise in genetic diseases and cell biology of the cardiac system
• Essential: Proficient skills in culture of induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiation into cardiac cells
• Essential: Experience in working with in vivo models of cardiac disease
• Essential: Completion of PIL-A/B and PIL-C training by the Home Office
• Desirable: Experience of analysing echocardiography data from in vivo models
• Desirable: Previous publication(s) as first author, presentation as talks or posters at national or international conferences

Informal enquiries can be made to Katja Gehmlich k.gehmlich@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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