Research Associate – Department of Inflammation and Ageing – 107348 – Grade 6 Full-time

Research Assistant Position

Department of Inflammation and Ageing, School of Infection, Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £33,002.

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027 (9 months)

Closing date: 30th April 2026

Background

Applications are invited for a Full-time Research Assistant Position for the US Department of Defense-funded project RETINA-TBI. Further funding is in place for extension of the time in post, but this will depend on individual performance and funder approval.

The overarching aim of RETINA-TBI is to identify retinal biomarkers for intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). This will be achieved by detailed assessment of retinal structure, function and perfusion alongside invasive and non-invasive neuromonitoring and neuro-imaging to assess cerebral perfusion and oedema, and intracranial pressure. The project is led by Prof Richard Blanch at the School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology and University Hospitals Birmingham.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting patient assessments, including optical coherence tomography, pupillometry, near infra-red spectroscopy, and transcranial doppler and laboratory processing of serum and microdialysate. The candidate will be part of an integrative and multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians working collaboratively to deliver this work.

To apply, please upload a cover letter and CV.

We expect to interview shortlisted candidates in person.

Role Summary

The role will involve assessment of participants retinal structure and function using a range of standard clinical tests including optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, pupillometry, visual acuity testing and cerebral physiology assessments including NIRS and TCD to assess the impact of TBI. The research assistant will be part of an integrative and multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians working collaboratively to deliver this work and may be called upon to assist in other aspects of study management and patient recruitment and assessment.

Main Duties

• Perform visual and cerebral physiology testing in the Intensive Care Unit and the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF).
• Retrieve, process and analyse biofluid samples including blood and cerebral microdialysate.
• Analyse and manage collected ocular and cerebral data as directed; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews and data upload.
• Recruit and interact with patients and their families.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Participate in research team meetings.
• To present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• To provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Participate and contribute to public engagement events.
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• There will be a requirement to work flexibly, as patient recruitment and assessment often happens outside of normal working hours.

Person Specification

• An BSc or Masters Degree in the area of Optometry, Orthoptics, Vision Science, Physiology and Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Neuroscience.
• Understanding of research and conducting of human (clinical) trials.
• Preferably practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, including OCT and laboratory processing of human samples, although training will be provided on all techniques.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Strong organisation and time-management skills.
• Cooperative nature and strong teamwork skills, with a willingness to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to public engagement activities.
• Strong IT skills to manage data collection database, and process collected data and images.