Research Fellow

Background

To take a lead role in the development and delivery of an MRC funded UK-China research network on antimicrobial resistance epidemiology

We are looking for a primarily microbial genomics researcher to join the group of Prof Alan McNally, working on an MRC funded UK-China AMR network project DETECTIVE-II. This is a follow on from our highly successful DETECTIVE project which investigated the epidemiology of carbapenem resistant Gram negative pathogens in Chinese ICU. The new project will further this work, comparing the epidemiological landscapes in Birmingham and China, studying clinical and community CROs, as well as their prevalence in hospital waste water through metagenomics. There may also be scope for wet lab work characterising key phenotypes on isolates. 

The successful applicant will have a higher degree in Microbiology or Bioinformatics or a related discipline with experience of performing genomic data analyses on data from multiple sequencing platforms including Illumina and MinIon sequencing. A reasonable level of proficiency in wet-lab research is desirable though not essential for the role

Main Duties

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

• Develop research objectives, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret data
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews*
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
• 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 in microbial genomic epidemiology
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• 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*

*These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree or equivalent qualifications relevant to microbiology, infectious diseases, and/or bioinformatics
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods in microbial genomic epidemiology 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

Informal enquiries can be made to Lisa Powell, email: l.h.powell@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the above 'Apply' button.

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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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