Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Hours: Part Time 0.8 FTE

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until May 2027

The Chan Lab is a research group at the University of Birmingham working on brain metabolism and mitochondrial function in health and diseases. We specialize in rare genetic diseases with neurodevelopmental condition and epilepsy. Recently, we had partnered up with a rare epilepsy charity, CRELD1 Warriors, based in the UK; to advance research into JELANS – a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by mutations in CRELD1 gene. We have since collected cell lines from JELANS patient and recently procured a Drosophila model of JELANS. Thus, we are at an exciting moment in our translational research journey to progress research into JELANS and potential treatment for epilepsy in JELANS.

This role will be primarily to assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) in lab-based research into JELANS. This will involve maintaining the cell and Drosophila model of JELANS, conducting molecular and metabolic investigations, and testing the effect of drug candidates on the cell and Drosophila model. Cell work will be conducted in the Chan Lab, while Drosophila work will be conducted in our collaborator’s laboratory, Dr. Yun Fan from the School of Biosciences at University of Birmingham.

We are interested to hear from passionate candidate with a Bachelors degree or equivalent in relevant subject area (Neuroscience, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy preferred). Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, such as cell culture or Drosophila work is highly desirable. Previous experience in wet-lab research environment or setting is crucial as is the ability to collaborate and work effectively across two lab environment and settings.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Felix Chan (f.chan@bham.ac.uk)

Interviews will be held on Friday, 29^th May 2026.

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

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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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