Research Fellow

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £34,866.

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to August 2026

Role Summary

Applications are invited for a highly motivated and organized post-doctoral research fellow to join the Stewart laboratory, based at the University of Birmingham, to work on the development of suppressor-tRNAs as a therapy for Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

Candidates should have a PhD (or near to completion) and previous experience within the field of DNA damage signalling, DNA repair and/or DNA replication. Preferably, candidates should have published at least first author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal although this is not essential. Candidates should have significant practical experience with standard mammalian cell culture techniques, fluorescence microscopy, standard molecular biology and protein-based laboratory techniques and CRISPR. Experience with single molecule DNA fibre analysis is preferable.

Main Duties

• To plan, carry out and develop laboratory-based research activity as outlined in the grant proposal as well as novel research directions, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes
• Design a successful programme of investigation, managing individual components of the study from the start of the project to dissemination of findings within set timeframes
• Present research results through publication or other recognised forms of output, e.g. peer-reviewed journals, reports and conference presentations at a national/international level
• Contribute to the work of the research team as a whole; through dialogue with colleagues, generation of ideas, contributing to preparation of grant applications, advising on study design, problem solving etc.
• To supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Keep abreast of the literature and maintain a good working knowledge of the background and current developments in the field of the project

Person Specification

• PhD (or near to completion) in a relevant field
• Previous experience within the field of DNA damage signalling, DNA repair and/or DNA replication is preferable
• Practical experience with microscopy-based laboratory techniques and in vitro mammalian cell. Practical experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation, molecular biology.
• Practical experience with molecular biology (including primer design, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, DNA sequencing, expression plasmid generation, CRISPR technology). Practical experience with DNA and siRNA transfection, DNA fibre analysis/DNA combing
• Make and contribute to decisions on day-to-day matters that affect their own work and that of the team
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (including written and presentational)
• The ability to work and think independently and to contribute to the planning of a programme of scientific research
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and for future collaboration

Informal enquiries can be made to Grant Stewart, email: g.s.stewart@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.

Advert information