Research Fellow (Postdoctoral)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

Closes: 10/07/2024

Background

This post is funded by a multi-million pound award from Wellcome Leap programme awarded to the University of Birmingham to study Untangling Addiction.  Our project, entitled “ACORN – Assessment of Chronic Opioid Risk using Neurobiology. 

Our research programme aims to address persistent opioid usage by identifying molecular, neurobiological and cognitive signatures characterizing patients at risk of prolonged opioid use post-surgery.

The expected start date of the post will be September and for a duration of 30 months, with the possibility of a 1 year extension pending funding.

Role Summary

This post-doctoral research will be conducted in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of experts in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, pain, anesthesia, and machine learning. The team also aims to recruit additional post-doctoral research associates, one research technician, one research assistant, and one research nurse.

The successful applicant will be responsible for investigating the neurophysiological markers that predict which surgical patients are most vulnerable to developing severe pain and persistent opioid usage. The data will be collected from patients who are part of an observational cohort of individuals undergoing surgery. The applicant will also be expected to contribute to all work packages involved, including blood collection, hosting PPIs, and administration.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. Ali Mazaheri, as well as Prof. Fang Gao Smith, Dr. Helen McGettrick, and Dr. Andreas Karwath

• 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

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion) in the biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or psychology 
• A passion for problem-solving and research in the areas of  EEG, neuroscience, pain, cell biology, immunology or inflammation biology that is grounded in expert-level knowledge or experience 
• Experience with handling and processing of clinical samples and associated data
• High level analytical capability
• 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 Ali Mazaheri, a.mazaheri@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 Online button:

https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/5024/?utm_medium=jobshare

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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.

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