Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) – School of Biosciences – 107186 – Grade 7 Full-time

Post-Doctoral Research Assistant Positions

School of Biosciences

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

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2029

Closing date: 12^th April 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

There are 2 positions available

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

You will be applying for one of two post-doctoral research assistant positions in the laboratory of Professor David Grainger. You will work in the area of bacterial chromosome biology and gene regulation, using whole genome and molecular approaches. Hence, experience of molecular microbiology is essential. The posts are funded by a Wellcome Discovery award that will focus on understanding how chromosome rearrangements in the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii give rise to high levels of phenotypic variation that, in turn, can be exploited by the microbe to survive in clinical settings. The project will involve collaboration with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, and teams at the Universities of Oxford and Exeter, whole will bring expertise in single molecule and evolutionary biology to the project. It is strongly recommended that you contact Professor Grainger, before applying, to discuss how you might contribute to projects currently running in the lab. Candidates who can bring their own ideas and expertise to the lab will be viewed favorably.

Whilst there are no requirements for a specific set of experimental skills, we are keen to hire a staff member with expertise in protein purification and protein biochemistry. Methodology that you may also have used includes ChIP-seq, RNA-seq (and derivatives thereof), microbial cell culture, cloning, genetic manipulation of bacterial strains, work with bacterial pathogens, and bioinformatics.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Collect research data
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• 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

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• A good publication track record
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• 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

Informal enquiries to David Grainger, email: d.grainger@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Job Identification: 8998

Job Category: Academic Non-clinical

Posting Date: 03/20/2026, 12:01 AM

Apply Before: 04/12/2026, 10:59 PM

Job Schedule: Full time

Locations: Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT, GB