Research Fellow

Position Details

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 a year.

Fixed Term Contract – September 2027

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to work as a Research Fellow in the Cancer Research UK RadNet Birmingham Centre of Excellence, directed by Professor Jason Parsons. You will contribute to cutting-edge research investigating the biology of FLASH radiotherapy. This work will be delivered using our unique, and national, radiation resources for proton and high-LET radiation. RadNet Birmingham is a multidisciplinary partnership across the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Specifically, the project will use in vitro (2D cell lines, 3D spheroids and patient-derived organoids) and replacement in vivo (chick embryo) models of radioresistant tumours to characterise the molecular and cellular impact of ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) delivery of both protons and photons on normal versus tumour tissues, particularly in the context of DNA damage repair and survival pathways. This will also involve determining the critical proteins and pathways that mediate normal tissue sparing in comparison to conventional dose rate delivery. Research will utilise a FLASH photon system recently awarded through an MRC equipment grant, and FLASH protons delivered through the MC-40 cyclotron.

Our long term goal is to contribute to improvements in cancer patient outcome and reduced treatment toxicities following radiotherapy.

• Work within the specified research grant and project
• Operate within the area of radiobiology and FLASH
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating peer-reviewed publications and further grant funding

Main Responsibilities

The responsibilities include:-

• Contribution to the development of radiobiology research as part of Cancer Research UK RadNet Birmingham
• Work closely and communicate effectively with other members of RadNet Birmingham and with colleagues in the School of Physics and Astronomy
• Take responsibility for taking key decisions regarding the project and planning future experiments
• Acquire, analyse and interpret research data acquired using a variety of research methods and apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• PhD (or near to completion) in radiation biology, cancer biology, molecular biology (or another relevant discipline)
• Evidence of playing a key role in a leading-edge scientific research project
• Substantial laboratory expertise using molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience running diverse laboratory experiments
• Evidence of prior research productivity
• Excellent project planning, organisational and time-management skills
• Excellent data acquisition, recording and scientific writing skills

Informal enquiries can be made to Jason Parsons j.parsons.3@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.

Closing Date: 04/08/2026, 23:59

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