Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to October 2027

Role Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed scientist to join our project team, which is aiming to better understand the in-host behaviour of fungal pathogens. The candidate’s research will focus on how fungal pathogens respond to cues encountered in organ-specific environments. This is an exciting opportunity to investigate regulation of fungal adaptation and antifungal immunity in vivo. The project team comprises of two research groups, Dr Drummond’s group at Birmingham, and the research lab of Dr Rebecca Hall at the University of Kent. Both groups are supported by the Wellcome Trust and will work closely together during the project. There will be opportunity for additional training for the successful applicant with our collaborators to develop a wide range of technical expertise in immunology and microbiology.

Funding for the position is available for 3 years, with possibility of extension. The lab is located within the Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham, where a collaborative environment exists, rich in immunologists with a range of complimentary research interests. We also closely work with our colleagues in the Institute of Microbiology & Infection who specialise in fungal biology and drug resistance.

The candidate should demonstrate a good understanding of immunology and medical microbiology, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. They will be expected to help develop new techniques within the laboratory, help supervise project/undergraduate students, and present their data regularly at internal lab meetings and external conferences.

All applicants should be ideally be proficient with in vivo immunology, flow cytometry, basic tissue culture and molecular biology techniques. Prior experience with microscopy (particularly confocal) would be advantageous. Applicants should be able to demonstrate prior research success; for example, through publications/pre-prints, presentations at conferences and relevant academic prizes/travel awards.

Person Specification

• PhD (or near to completion) or equivalent in Immunology or Microbiology 
• First author publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Previous experience and strong interest in medical mycology, immunology and/or infectious disease immunology
• Holder of Home Office Personal Licence (or equivalent in home country)
• Substantial experience of using in vivo mouse models to assess immune responses
• Substantial experience in using flow cytometry to analyse in vivo immune responses
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to contribute to developing new protocols and techniques
• 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 can be made to Dr Rebecca Drummond, r.drummond@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' button above.

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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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