Research Associate – Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy – 107894 – Grade 6 Full-time NEW

Job Title

Position Details

Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

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

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2029

Closing date: 14th September 2026

Background

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. The candidate will work within an internationally renowned type 1 diabetes immunology group and will manage and maintain murine breeding colonies and lead in performing murine immunology studies.

Role Summary

• To manage Non-obese diabetic mouse breeding and genotyping of murine colonies
• To perform in vivo T cell and splenocyte adoptive cell transfers (intravenous injections)
• To perform other in vivo injections (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous)
• To perform direct ex vivo/in vitro T cell/regulatory T cell/B cell assays
• To perform multi-parameter flow cytometric experiments and analysis
• To further develop and implement bioinformatic approaches in data analysis
• Work within specified research grants and/or projects and develop their own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To conduct translational research within the Diabetes Research group and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students
• Operate within area of specialism- autoimmunity, type 1 diabetes
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Management of murine colonies (genotyping, diabetes screening)
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation (flow cytometry, in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo assays) literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed utilising up-to-date and novel bioinformatic approaches
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods based on research needs
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Manage problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Prepare regular weekly updates to the Diabetes Research group on progress
• To abide by home office rules and regulations in working with, or storing, samples for analysis
• To aid and teach PhD, MSc and BSc students in their research activities

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject are
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques:
• Current home office personal licence
• Mouse tissue harvesting/experimentation (in vivo injections)
• Flow cytometric analyses
• In vitro/ex vivo T cell/regulatory T cell/B cell assays
• Development and implementation of bioinformatic analysis pipelines
• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within one of the follow areas: autoimmunity, T cell/regulatory T cell/B cell immunology
• Desirable – Proven ability to apply for, or successfully obtain, research funding
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Prepare scientific reports and lead on manuscript write up for publication