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 January 2030 

Background

The Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham is seeking an exceptional candidate to join the Broderick lab to carry out fundamental research on the processes of telomere maintenance, DNA replication and DNA repair in human cells. 

Specifically, the post holder will investigate how DNA replication and DNA repair events at telomeres engaging the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) process impact telomere array sequence. This will be achieved by combining CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing with cutting-edge Oxford Nanopore sequencing techniques and has the potential to identify novel biomarkers for the diagnosis/stratification of ALT-reliant cancers.

The successful applicant will join a newly established team at the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences; a diverse Cancer Research Centre which includes one of the largest Cancer Clinical Trials Units in the UK, as well as several high-profile DNA repair and replication research groups. The post holder will also be afforded opportunities for personal and professional development in the areas of teaching, research leadership and grant writing. 

The position is supported by an MRC Career Development Award.

Role Summary

• To design, perform and record experiments that inform this area, including developing new methodologies.
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids.
• Operate within area of specialism and develop ideas beyond that area.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Contribute to generating funding.

Main Duties

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

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Bring the ability to invent new, or adapt existing, methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of others in the research team, providing guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research. 
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students, and more junior members of staff where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a PhD (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Demonstrable technical knowledge of/experience in computational biology and next-generation sequencing approaches (experience with Python, C++ and Nextflow are desirable).
• Preferably experienced in the areas of mammalian telomere biology, DNA replication and/or DNA repair. 
• Demonstrable productivity including publications or preprints.
• High level analytical capability.
• Evidence of having developed or invented new methods and the ability to learn new approaches outside of current expertise.

Informal enquiries to Dr Ronan Broderick, email: R.A.Broderick@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.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
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.

Closes: 2^nd March 2025

Advert information