Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2026

Background

The University of Birmingham is inviting applications for a Research Fellow in Biochemistry, Biophysics or related areas. The research fellow will be based in Analytical Sciences, Physicochemical Development team at AstraZeneca, Cambridge, as a part of a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and AstraZeneca on the characterization of biopharmaceuticals to support the development of mathematical models of degradation pathways and shelf-life prediction. 

The aim of project is the safe integration of machine learning methods within the biopharmaceutical development process. This project offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, making a significant contribution to the fundamental principles of how AI technologies are verified and safeguarded, with the potential to shape future regulatory standards for the application of AI in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. 

Main Duties

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated Post-Doctoral Scientist to join us until April 2026 to be based in Analytical Sciences at AstraZeneca, Cambridge – Physicochemical Development team. The Research Fellow will be responsible for characterizing an array of biologics to generate accurate models for predicting protein degradation to support shelf-life assessment. In this role you will:

• Be responsible for the generation of new analytical data, characterizing the degradation pathways of a range of biopharmaceutical modalities. 
• Be responsible for interpretation of the quality attribute and degradation data, providing both biochemical and biophysical context for input into the mathematical models, aiding further interpretation.
• Generate, analyse and interpret and report data independently, in a clear and concise manner, with an understanding of its implications within the overall context of the project.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding. 
• Present and discuss the findings of experiments at meetings, or appropriate forums, and will incorporate constructive feedback. 
• Disseminate research findings at conferences and seminars and contribute to academic publications.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• 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.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree in a relevant field such as Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or other relevant scientific field, with proven relevant experience in the Life Science industry or equivalent qualifications/experience.
• Practical experience across a range of analytical techniques, related to protein-based therapeutics, including but not limited to: electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry. 
• Experience characterizing protein biochemical and biophysical degradation pathways, including interpretation of data and relationship back to the specific mechanism behind the degradation.
• Highly motivated, proactive individual with strong scientific curiosity and interest in continued learning. Team player with confidence to work with independently. 

Informal enquiries can be made to  Dr. Mirco Giacobbe, email: m.giacobbe@bham.ac.uk, Dr. Leonardo Stella, email: l.stella@bham.ac.uk, Dr. Jared Delmar, email: jared.delmar@astrazeneca.com, or Dr. Paul Devine, email: paul.devine@astrazeneca.com.

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: 30/04/2025

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