Career Development Fellowship in Molecular Biology

The Department of Biosciences at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to a 3 year fixed term Career Development Fellowship. We welcome applications from those with research and teaching in the broad field of molecular biology and/or biochemistry that are consistent with research priorities in the Department. We aim to appoint outstanding new academic staff to strengthen research in cross-disciplinary approaches to fundamental biological questions, potentially with impact on the bioeconomy, and to provide students with an outstanding educational and training experience. Research in the Department is focused around four key themes - animal cells & systems; biomolecular interactions; ecology, evolution & environment; and molecular plant sciences (www.d ur.ac.uk/biosciences/research/). We are particularly interested in candidates who can apply their expertise to cellular responses to carbon dioxide (for example see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6078960/; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8462908/; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9458709/)

Successful applicants are normally expected to be within 8 years of completing their PhD, although career breaks for parental leave and/or health reasons will be considered. This is because the roles are aimed at early career academics who would benefit from a structured development programme and provision of both formal and ‘on the job’ training. The posts are also open to those who are returning to academia after a career in another sector.

Successful applicants will, ideally be in post by January 2025.

Key responsibilities:

Development

• Membership of Departmental committees and appropriate professional body.
• Contribute to a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• Engage in citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses, as detailed in the personal development plan. Opportunities could include:
  • Research Project Leadership
  • Supported progression towards Higher Education Academy (HEA) membership
  • Leadership in Learning and Teaching course

Education

• Teach modules at undergraduate/postgraduate levels, developing an awareness of different approaches to and methods of teaching and supporting student learning.
• Develop the ability to manage own teaching and designing, planning and writing of engaging and innovative teaching materials.
• Develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum and make an active contribution to an inclusive community in which diversity is embraced and celebrated.
• Co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students, and where appropriate act as part of a PhD supervisory team.
• Provide student support, assessment of academic performance and provision of feedback, dealing with student disciplinary matters and complaints.

Research/Scholarship

• Demonstrate progress towards independent development of internationally excellent research/scholarship.
• Develop clear plans for the pursuit of national and international funding opportunities to support research/scholarship and end-user engagement.
• Develop a personal research/scholarship plan which supports and enhances the department’s research and/or pedagogic strategy.
• Contribute to enhancing the quality of the research environment.

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