Research Fellow – School of Biosciences – 107914 – Grade 7 Full-time

Research Fellow (Post-doc) in Computational Structural Biology

School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences

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 July 2028

Closing date: 19th October 2026

This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.

Background

Applications are welcomed from candidates in Europe and other overseas countries. Financial support for visa application fees is available, subject to eligibility and organisational policy. There is a Research Fellow (Post-doc) position available in the field of Computational Structural Biology, based in the group of Prof. Teresa Carlomagno at the University of Birmingham. The research group studies the structural and functional mechanisms of proteins, including intrinsically disordered proteins, membrane proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes through an integrative structural biology approach. The laboratory combines experimental and computational methods to understand biomolecular structure, dynamics and function at atomic resolution.

The post holder will use advanced computational approaches to investigate the structure, dynamics and mechanisms of membrane proteins, protein-ligand complexes, and other biologically relevant macromolecular assemblies. Research will focus on understanding molecular recognition, conformational dynamics, allosteric regulation and ligand binding processes that underpin biological function. Candidates are expected to have strong experience in advanced molecular dynamics simulations and enhanced-sampling methodologies, such as metadynamics, accelerated molecular dynamics or related approaches, together with advanced analysis of molecular simulation data, including dimensionality reduction, conformational landscape analysis and the identification of metastable states. Experience in multiscale modelling approaches would be highly desirable.

The successful candidate will integrate computational structural biology approaches with experimental data, including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and biophysical measurements. There will be opportunities to develop and apply novel computational methods and modelling strategies for studying challenging biological systems and translating structural insights into mechanistic understanding.

Role Summary

• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Contribute to 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, in the area of interest of the hosting laboratory (Prof T Carlomagno) in Computational Structural Biology
• Generate, analyse and interpret computational data to explain biomolecular mechanisms in conjunction with the available structural biology, biochemical and biophysical data
• Apply advanced molecular dynamics techniques to investigate membrane proteins, protein-ligand complexes and macromolecular assemblies
• Integrate computational models with available experimental structural and biochemical data
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation and literature reviews
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Develop new computational approaches, workflows and methodologies where appropriate
• Disseminate and present research findings through seminars, conferences, posters, and academic publications, including drafting manuscripts and related scholarly outputs
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/Institute research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• PhD (or near completion of a PhD) in Computational Structural Biology, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Computational Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or a related discipline
• Proficiency in computational studies of biomolecular systems
• Expertise in the structural and functional investigation of membrane proteins and/or protein-ligand complexes
• Experience with molecular modelling, structural analysis, computational biophysics, or related computational methodologies
• Experience in integrating computational approaches with experimental structural biology data
• Practical experience in a biochemical laboratory and/or handling nucleic acids is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply new computational methods, models, techniques, or research approaches
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex structural and biophysical information clearly through both written and oral communication
• Experience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an international research environment, ensuring the efficient coordination of activities and avoiding conflict or duplication of effort
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/ administration processes
• Understanding of, and ability to contribute to, the planning, organisation, management, and administration of broader research programmes, as well as specific research projects
• 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
• Willingness to work in a competitive, international environment